Photo: Tyler Anderson/Tennis Canada
A clutch doubles victory by Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov over Joe Salisbury and Jamie Murray sealed a comeback win over Great Britain to keep Canada’s ATP Cup hopes alive on Tuesday morning.
Following their opening-tie loss to the United States on Sunday, the Canadians knew that a victory against the Brits was vital to ensuring their chances of qualifying from Group C for the semi-finals remain intact heading into the final round of group stage action.
Shapovalov got proceedings underway at Ken Rosewall Arena against British No. 2 Dan Evans. The duo’s previous meeting was at the 2019 Miami Open, where Shapovalov won in three sets. However, this time it was Evans’ turn to take home the spoils as he produced a measured performance to beat the Canadian 6-4, 6-4.
Montreal’s Auger-Aliassime was up next as he faced Cameron Norrie in the second singles rubber. Prior to this match, the Canadian held a 2-0 record against the Brit, who enjoyed an impressive 2021 season and is ranked just one place behind Auger-Aliassime at No. 12. The first set proved to be a tough battle but the Canadian came through in a hard-fought tiebreak before cruising to win the second set, clinching the match 7-6(4), 6-3.
That meant it all came down to doubles. Facing Salisbury, the No. 3 ranked doubles player in the world, and Murray, a seven-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles, Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime had their work cut out. But they played a magnificent match to beat the Brits 6-4, 6-1 to keep Canada kicking in the competition.
They will now take on Germany on Thursday with Group C finely poised with each team having a 1-1 record.
