Canada claims first Davis Cup crown after Auger-Aliassime defeats de Minaur

For the first time in Davis Cup history, Canada is the champion.

The Canadians lifted their maiden trophy after Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Alex de Minaur of Australia 6-3, 6-4 in Sunday’s second singles rubber inside Martin Carpena Pavilion in Malaga, Spain. On the heels of Denis Shapovalov’s straight-set win over Thanasi Kokkinakis to kick off the proceedings, Auger-Aliassime’s point was the clinching one in a 2-0 sweep of the Aussies.

Auger-Aliassime plays big on the biggest points

Although Auger-Aliassime played almost a perfect match from start to finish, de Minaur was not without chances. The world 24 earned a total of eight break points but went 0-for-3 in the first set — including two in the opening game of the match — and 0-for-5 in the second. He had a 0-40 opportunity with Auger-Aliassime serving a 3-2 in the second and also seized a 0-30 opening at 5-4. In typical fashion, however, the Canadian came up with the goods when it mattered most and won the next four points with big serving and baseline hitting to clinch victory.

Triumph for Canada three years after finishing runner-up

Canada was playing in the final for the second time in the last three installments of the Davis Cup, having lost to Spain with the trophy on the line in 2019. Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime were also the singles players in that tie, falling to Rafael Nadal and Roberto Bautista Agut, respectively.

It’s safe to say both Canadians made amends this time around.

“The emotions are tough to describe,” Auger-Aliassime assured. “All of us here, we’ve dreamt of this. All of these guys grew up together dreaming of this moment, dreaming of winning the Davis Cup. It’s a great moment for me and my country…. I am happy we able to get our first Davis Cup with this group.”

“From juniors it was our dream, growing up watching Vasek (Pospisil), Milos (Raonic), and [Daniel Nestor] taking Canada to new [heights],” Shapovalov said. “We wanted to grow up and help the country win the first title. It’s so surreal right now. After we lost in the final in 2019, we really wanted this bad. It’s such a team effort; everyone was putting in 120 percent every day.”

“This is a historic moment,” captain Frank Dancevic concluded. “We’ve never won this title in the past. It’s the first time for us. It’s an incredible feeling.”

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