As the Canadian Davis Cup team gears up to safeguard its title at the impending Final 8 in Malaga, Spain, the roster bears a touch of nostalgia. Milos Raonic from Thornhill, Ontario, a seasoned beacon on the court and fan-favorite, makes his return. Raonic is set to share the limelight from November 21 to 26 along with Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, Vasek Pospisil of Vernon, B.C., Gabriel Diallo also from Montreal, and Alexis Galarneau from Laval, Quebec. The latter were instrumental in the 2022 triumph over Australia in the finals.
“I am overwhelmed with honor and excitement to lead such a talented team once again in the Davis Cup final,” Canadian captain Frank Dancevic beamed with pride.
Raonic, aged 32, seizes the paddle for the Canadian team for the first time since 2018. His sterling career as a former world No. 3 and 18-6 record in Davis Cup play are mere reflections of his undying spirit. Though he sat out the 2022 season due to an injury, Raonic made a much-anticipated comeback headlined by compelling victories this season.
His highlights include a commendable win over Serbia’s 39th-ranked Miomir Kecmanovic in his first match since his return last June in the Netherlands. He also had an impressive run at the National Bank Open, sending shockwaves by defeating the 10th-ranked American, Frances Tiafoe.
Auger-Aliassime, a household name, will don the maple leaf for the sixth time at the Davis Cup. Despite a rocky start last year, he managed to secure eight consecutive wins, ultimately clinching the title.
Meanwhile, Pospisil has a commendable resume in Davis play with a 31-24 career record, winning all his matches at the group stage this year. Diallo and Galarneau compose the new wave of aspiring contenders on the ATP tour.
Absent from this year’s roster is Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ontario. The winner of the inaugural singles match in last year’s final has been constantly plagued by knee issues this season.
Canada is set to go head-to-head with Finland for the quarterfinals on November 21 at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena.
Reigning champions Canada procured the Final 8 spot by acing Group A last September in Bologna, Italy. Up against the Canadian giants is the underdog, the 14th-ranked Finland captained by Jarkko Nieminen. It marks the first time that Finland will grace the Davis Cup quarterfinal stage and hence will be a historic occasion.
Czechia and Australia will lock horns on November 22. The quarterfinal showdowns in the lower section of the matches, Serbia versus Britain and Netherlands against Italy, are slated for November 23.
The much-anticipated Semifinals will take place November 24-25, and the grand finale will be contested on November 26.
