Shapovalov gives Canada early lead over Australia in Davis Cup final with one-sided win | CBC Sports
Canada raced to a 1-0 lead over 28-time champion Australia in the Davis Cup final on Sunday as Denis Shapovalov downed Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-2 6-4 in a one-sided match in Malaga, Spain to put them on course for their first title.
The 2019 runners-up, who overcame Italy in a thrilling semifinal on Saturday, can claim the crown if world No. 6 six Felix Auger-Aliassime beats Alex de Minaur in the second match at the Palacio de deportes Martin Carpena.
If the tie goes into a deciding doubles rubber, Auger-Aliassime and Vasek Pospisil are scheduled to take on Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson.
Shapovalov fell short in a physically punishing three-setter against Lorenzo Sonego in the semifinal, but the 18th-ranked left-hander wasted little time establishing a 4-0 lead in the opening set before Kokkinakis got on the board.
Having wrapped up the set comfortably to put Canada on the front foot, Shapovalov broke in the third game of the second set and did not look back as he closed out the victory in 89 minutes.
Australia is looking to win the title for the first time since 2003, when captain Lleyton Hewitt was part of the team who defeated Spain in the final.
WATCH | Auger-Aliassime, Pospisil put Canada in Davis Cup final:
The Canadian pair took their doubles match over Italy to earn a spot against Australia in the Cup final.
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