MY ACCOUNT
Felix Auger-Aliassime is eager to cap a “special year” by leading Canada to Davis Cup glory on Sunday after playing a pivotal role in the semi-final win over Italy.
Standing in the way of Canada, who were runners-up in 2019 but have never won the event, are 28-time champions Australia after Lleyton Hewitt’s team beat Croatia on Friday.
The Australians have had a day to recover from their efforts, while Canada’s success came on Saturday and they must look to carry momentum into the title match in Malaga.
Lorenzo Sonego gave Italy a 1-0 lead over Canada by beating Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 in an opening clash that lasted three hours and 14 minutes.
That piled pressure on Auger-Aliassime in the next rubber, as he took on Lorenzo Musetti, but it did not show as he powered to a 6-3 6-4 victory to tie the overall match and set up a decisive doubles contest.
Canada captain Frank Dancevic chose Auger-Aliassime over Shapovalov to partner Vasek Pospisil against Matteo Berrettini and Fabio Fognini, and the decision paid off as they earned a 7-6 (7-2) 7-5 win.
It has been a super 2022 already for Auger-Aliassime, who has won his first four singles titles on the ATP Tour and climbed to number six in the rankings, and the year could be crowned from his perspective with the most prized team trophy in men’s tennis.
“It’s been a special journey, special year,” said Auger-Aliassime. “I think this is the most complete team that we have had in the history of Canadian tennis. I feel we deserve to be in that position now.
“I have said it many times throughout the years, this is one of the goals I think for all the guys to go far and to win it all.
“I’m really proud of everybody’s effort. It’s been a great journey. It’s the last day tomorrow of Davis Cup for this year, so we’re ready to give it all.”
