It had been practically two years since each Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov performed for Canada on the Davis Cup, but it surely felt like previous occasions on Tuesday in Manchester.
The final time each Canadians performed for his or her nation was a historic day in November 2022 when every man scored a straight-set win to seal Canada’s first-ever Davis Cup title.
Nearly two years later, this time within the group stage, the consequence was the identical because the pair gained their singles matches in straight units to open Canada’s 2024 group stage marketing campaign with a win over Argentina.
“It’s been begin,” stated Auger-Aliassime in his post-match press convention on Tuesday. “The staff spirit was excessive. Everyone was blissful to be again on the staff that gained two years in the past so I feel each staff is ready for week of tennis.”
“All in all a extremely good day. To get by way of 2-1 with a win, I’m fairly proud of the day,” mirrored captain Frank Dancevic on the finish of the day. Of his gamers’ efficiency, he stated, “Denis began off rather well, acquired the momentum going. Felix performed an incredible match, did what he needed to do.”
Learn additionally: Younger Workforce Canada Poised for Extra Davis Cup Success in Manchester
Each Canadian singles gamers had been rightfully proud of their performances.
“I positively really feel nice, at all times a extremely good feeling to get Canada on the board,” stated Shapovalov after taking the opening level of the tie. “It’s been some time since I performed Davis Cup, final time I performed we had gained the competitors. It was nice to be again on the market and to convey such a excessive stage right now was wonderful.”
Learn additionally: 2022 Davis Cup Champions Reuniting in Manchester
“Superb match, I’m blissful. Any win is nice and I’m actually proud of my stage,” expressed Auger-Aliassime. “I at all times attempt to come again robust after a tricky loss and it was powerful in New York for me so it was good to get the win right here, to get 2-0 for Canada, and let’s see how the week goes. It’s begin for us.”
Neither Canadian has been at their greatest for the reason that 2022 victory, with accidents and inconsistency stopping them from enjoying at their highest stage for an prolonged time frame. However they had been capable of finding the correct gear on Tuesday as they each dominated their Argentinian opponents.
Learn additionally: Draper Leads Canada’s Opposition in Davis Cup Group Stage – Meet Nice Britain, Argentina, and Finland
“In case you take a look at my rating, it’s not the place it needs to be However I’ve been enjoying properly and I’m tremendous proud of the win right now. All the time blissful to get the purpose for Canada,” stated Shapovalov.
The 2 wins had been eerily related. Each completed the primary set with a break and raced out to 4-0 leads within the second, solely to see their runs come to an finish within the fifth sport when their serve was damaged. However each nonetheless completed robust to clinch the tie for Canada, with the 2 matches mixed taking simply over three hours.
Learn additionally: Canadian Doubles Steal the Present in Toronto
After their victories on Tuesday, every man praised the opposite.
“I’ve plenty of confidence in Felix. I at all times consider in him,” stated Shapovalov. “If he can convey stage, he can beat virtually any participant on the planet.”
“It was an incredible effort from Denis an effective way to start out the day, to start out the week,” stated Auger-Aliassime. “It’s at all times higher to reach with a win in your pocket. Everyone seems to be happy with our effort.”
Workforce Canada has been a pressure when each Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov are on the staff going all of the again to the juniors when the pair teamed as much as win the Junior Davis Cup in 2015. Canada has gained 10 of 11 Davis Cup ties on the senior stage when each males are on the roster, together with Tuesday’s win over Argentina.
The lone loss was the 2019 ultimate in opposition to a Rafael Nadal-led Spain in Madrid.
They may look to say win No. 11 on Thursday in opposition to Finland. Auger-Aliassime was on the staff that misplaced to the Finns final November within the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup Closing 8, however Shapovalov missed the knockout stage with a knee harm.
