MONTREAL, January 24, 2024 (Tennis Canada Press Release)
Tennis Canada today announced that Milos Raonic (Thornhill, ON) and Liam Draxl (Newmarket, ON) are joining Gabriel Diallo (Montreal, QC), Alexis Galarneau (Laval, QC), and Vasek Pospisil (Vernon, BC) in Montreal, Quebec for the Davis Cup Qualifier tie against the Republic of Korea. Raonic will replace Denis Shapovalov (Richmond Hill, ON), while Draxl is added as the fifth player on the roster.
“Representing Canada has and always will be a priority of mine, and I have so many great Davis Cup memories in my career already,” said Shapovalov. “However, having missed a substantial amount of time last season with an injury, I am now at the beginning of my comeback and need to focus on finding my rhythm again and making sure that I can get back to my best level as fast as possible. Best of luck to the team – I know the guys have what it takes to get us through to the Group Stage!”
“Firstly, we’d like to wish Denis all the best in his comeback. He will be missed and is always welcomed to the team for any future ties,” said team captain Frank Dancevic. “Fortunately, adding Milos and Liam to the team gives us tremendous depth heading into our tie against the Republic of Korea. I’ve got full confidence in this group and look forward to playing in front of a home crowd in Montreal.”
Raonic, who holds an impressive record of 19-6 at the Davis Cup, will be representing Team Canada presented by Sobeys for the 15th time in his career. After missing the 2022 season due to injury, the 33-year-old returned last year and played in five events. He had a great run on home soil, reaching the round of 16 at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers, and recorded a dominant win at the Davis Cup Final 8, defeating Finland’s Patrick Kaukovalta in just over an hour. Raonic most recently played at the Australian Open, retiring in his first-round match against Australian Alex de Minaur.
Getting set to represent Canada at the Davis Cup for the first time in his career is 22-year-old Draxl. The Newmarket native has started his 2024 campaign playing on the ATP Challenger Tour. Last November, Draxl won the biggest title of his career at the Calgary National Bank Challenger – a Category 75 event. He’s carried that momentum into this season, having already reached a quarter-final at the tournament in Buenos Aires, Argentina last week.
The winner of the Qualifier tie between Canada and the Republic of Korea at IGA Stadium will advance to the Group Stage of the Davis Cup Finals. Canada currently leads their head-to-head 1-0.
If you would like to secure your spot and cheer on Team Canada in the World Cup of Men’s Tennis, there are still a few seats left. Tickets are available to purchase here.
