In the wake of Italy’s victory against the United States, we are very close to a new surprise in this final phase of the Davis Cup organized in Malaga this week until Sunday. But Canada, ranked among the main favorites in this year’s Saladier d’Argent, went away in the end with the crucial doubles won by Denis Shapovalov and Vasek Pospisil after they in turn led a set to nothing by the German specialist Kewin Krawietz (2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in 1h46).
To Shapovalov’s first singles loss against Jan-Lennard Struffwas it surprising that Frank Dancevic, the Canadian captain, held the left-handers alongside Pospisil instead of Felix Auger-Aliassime, much more solid than against Oscar Otte and winner of two doubles alongside the same Pospisil last September during the group stage.
The first set only reinforced that caution in this choice, with a dead and feverish Shapovalov missing his start to the match, unlike the Germans with perfectly oiled automatisms. But the Canadians started the revolt in that second set, thanks to Vasek Pospisil, who gave his team the break with a winning return.
A break that changed everything. Suddenly freed, Pospisil then only gained power, particularly on serve, while Shapovalov, confident (again) gradually adjusted to taking him in a cannonball too, more on the other side.
Literally untouchable and even euphoric in the final stretch of the game, the Canadian team managed two breaks in the third set, including one to end a match that allowed them to qualify for the semis and keep believing in their dream: the very first Davis Cup win in its history.
With one of the best indoor players in the world (Felix Auger-Aliassime), a world-class doubles specialist (Vasek Pospisil) and a troublemaker as unpredictable as Denis Shapovalov in his ranks, he undoubtedly has the guns. Then from the salad bowl to the lips…
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