Sports

Auger-Aliassime powers Canada into Davis Cup final

Malaga, Spain, Nov 26 (EFE).- Felix Auger-Aliassime won in both singles and doubles here Saturday to propel Canada 2-1 over Italy in their 2022 Davis Cup semifinal.

The Canadians, still in pursuit of their first Davis Cup title, will face 28-time winners Australia in Sunday’s final at the Jose Maria Martin Carpena Sports Palace in Malaga.

The day began well for Italy, as Lorenzo Sonego, ranked 45th in the world, bested 18th-ranked Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 6-4.

But world No. 6 Auger-Aliassime dispatched 23-ranked Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-4 in the second singles match to put Canada back on terms.

Ahead of the decisive doubles match, Canada captain Frank Dancevic decided to substitute Auger-Aliassime for Shapovalov alongside Vasek Pospisil.

Italy’s captain, Filippo Volandri, likewise made a last-minute change, pairing 16th-ranked Matteo Berrettini with Fabio Fognini, who is 56th in the world.

Berrettini said last week that he would not be playing because of injury, but Volandri did not replace him on the squad and he made the trip to Malaga in hopes of recovering time to contribute.

Dancevic’s choice turned out to be inspired. The Canadians won 7-6 (2), 7-5 to reach the final for a second time.

In 2019, Spain took the title with wins by Rafael Nadal against Shapovalov and Roberto Bautista over Auger-Aliassime. EFE nam/dr

Related Articles

Back to top button