BOLOGNA, September 17, 2023 (Tennis Canada Press Release)
On Saturday, Team Canada presented by Sobeys booked their ticket to the Final 8 stage of the Davis Cup Finals as a result of finishing in first place in their group – Group A – during this week’s Davis Cup Group Stage in Bologna, Italy. Heading into the third and final tie against Chile, the Canadian team needed to win just one match to guarantee a trip to Malaga, Spain, for the last stage of the Davis Cup Finals. They did one better, defeating Chile 2-1 to claim the tie, finishing the week with a 3-0 record.
First on court was 24-year-old Alexis Galarneau, who’s won all three of his matches so far in Bologna. He kept his momentum going against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, claiming the straight-set victory by a score of 6-3, 7-6(5). The Laval native has been lights out over the course of his winning streak, especially during crucial points. Against Tabilo, he saved 6/7 break points, and managed to convert 2/4 of his own break point opportunities.
“First of all, it’s another chance at hopefully winning the title,” said Galarneau when asked about clinching a spot in the Final 8. “Also, it just shows that last year was not a fluke – we are to be taken seriously. We are No. 1 ranked in the world, so we wanted to back ourselves, and I think that’s what we’re doing at the moment.”
In the day’s second match, Montreal’s Gabriel Diallo lost 6-4, 6-4 to Chilean Nicolas Jarry. Prior to today’s contest, Diallo hadn’t faced a break point during the Group Stage. That would change right out the gate, as Jarry was able to break the 21-year-old Canadian in the opening game. In the second set, Jarry climbed his way to another 2-0 lead, which proved to be too much for Diallo to overcome.
With things all tied up heading into the third match, captain Frank Dancevic sent out Vasek Pospisil and Galarneau as his doubles pairing to take on Tabilo and Tomas Barrios Vera. The Canadian duo, who were undefeated heading into the contest, did not disappoint, winning the final match of their Group Stage campaign in straight sets – 6-3, 7-6(7).
It’s Canada’s week here in Bologna 🇨🇦
What a performance by the defending champions, they top group A 🏆#DavisCup | @TennisCanada pic.twitter.com/Onlb4nMc0x
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 16, 2023
Team Canada hopes to become the first team since 2013 to win back-to-back Davis Cup titles. The Davis Cup Final 8 will be played out of the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena in Malaga, Spain, from November 21 to 26.
