BORNEONEWS, Jakarta – Felix Auger-Aliassime completed his doubles duty to lead Canada to the Davis Cup Final against Australia following their 2-1 win over Italy in Malaga, Spain on Saturday, November 26, 2022.
World number six Auger-Aliassime beat Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-4 in singles action after Lorenzo Sonego beat Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 in of the first match of the semi-final match.
The 22-year-old Canadian then replaced Shapovalov to partner Vasek Pospisil in the deciding doubles, and the gamble paid off in a 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 win over Matteo Berrettini and Fabio Fognini .
Berrettini, ranked 16th in singles but only 827th in doubles, replaced Simone Bolelli. However, Filippo Volandri’s late captaincy change backfired.
Canada, runners-up to Spain in 2019, will be looking to win the Davis Cup for the first time. Australia have not made the final since 2003, when they were chasing a 28th title.
In a doubles match that lasted two hours, the Italian was forced to give up an early break in both sets.
The Canadian duo beat convincingly for 6-5 in the second set before sealing their place in the men’s tennis world championship match, helping Italy retain a Davis Cup title they won in 1976 .
“We know we can make changes if necessary,” Auger-Aliassime said, as broadcast by AFP.
“The whole team has connected to this idea – the main objective is to lift the cup on Sunday. There is no ego and it’s a great feeling.”
Canada captain Frank Dancevic said he picked Auger-Aliassime in doubles because he was a fresher player. “Vasek, he played amazing with Denis and Felix,” Dancevic said.
“Denis just played a very long game today. Felix is fresher. He feels good on the pitch. He feels fresh before the game. That was the idea behind the decision.”
“Denis was completely heartbroken today. He played 3 hours 15 minutes. It was difficult to come back to doubles today when we had a new Felix.”
Italy captain Filipo Volandri has revealed the late decision to bring in Berrettini was prompted by an injury to veteran Bolelli.
“Yesterday I asked Matteo to try to be ready for today in case we have to play doubles. He decided to try to be there, and he trained twice yesterday. He trained alone this morning and he’s ready,” Volandri said.
“I’m very proud of all the team members because when I ask them to try to do something, they always do it. That’s why I’m very proud of them.”
“Amateur problem solver. Hipster-friendly alcohol lover. Beer buff. Infuriatingly humble tv geek.”
