Canada has orchestrated an inspiring comeback, setting the stage for a crucial fifth match against Hungary in the Davis Cup showdown this Sunday.
In a thrilling display at IGA Stadium, Montreal’s Gabriel Diallo clinched a commanding victory over Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan with a score of 6-1, 6-3 in the first-round qualifier of this prestigious men’s team tennis tournament.
Showcasing exceptional teamwork, Vasek Pospisil from Vernon, B.C., alongside Liam Draxl from Newmarket, Ont., triumphed in a high-stakes doubles match against Hungary’s Mate Valkusz and Peter Fajta, coming out on top with a score of 7-6 (2), 6-4.
After facing adversity and trailing 2-0 in the best-of-five tie due to two singles defeats on Saturday, Canada rallied. Marozsan secured victory over Alexis Galarneau from Laval, and Marton Fucsovics bested Diallo.
Galarneau will face Fucsovics in a decisive fifth match later today.
The victorious team over this two-day competition will secure a spot in the second round of qualifiers come September, while the losing side will drop down to the World Group 1 tier.
With a record of reaching the quarterfinals for the past two years, Canada has won nine out of its last ten home ties, showcasing its prowess on the court.
Currently, Canada stands third in the Davis Cup rankings, overshadowing Hungary, which ranks 22nd. However, top Canadian stars Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov are unavailable for this weekend’s matches.
Auger-Aliassime, ranked No. 22, recently clinched the Open Occitanie title in Montpellier, France, while Shapovalov, ranked 53rd, was forced to withdraw from the tournament last week due to a back injury.
In a surprising twist, Hungary adjusted its doubles lineup on Sunday, substituting Marozsan for Fajta.
Pospisil, 34, a seasoned doubles expert who achieved a career-high ranking of No. 4 in 2015, teamed up for the first time with the 23-year-old Draxl, currently ranked No. 113.
In contrast, Valkusz holds no doubles ranking while Fajta is ranked No. 2,015.
The first set was a tightly contested affair, with both teams holding serve initially. Canada had a golden opportunity to break while leading 4-3, but Pospisil couldn’t convert on a break point against Valkusz, allowing Hungary to maintain their advantage.
As the tiebreak unfolded, Canada surged ahead to a 5-1 lead, aided by a splendid volley from Draxl, and Pospisil sealed the set with an ace on set point.
In the early moments of the second set, Pospisil unleashed a stunning backhand return winner, breaking Hungary for the first time and propelling Canada to a 2-1 lead.
Despite Hungary having two break-point chances while down 3-2, the Canadian duo held strong, cushioning their lead with four consecutive points driven by impressive serves from Pospisil.
Canada maintained their dominance, holding serve for the remainder of the match, with Pospisil delivering another ace on match point in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 1,760 fans at the cozy indoor hard court.
Next up, No. 85 Diallo took the spotlight, breaking No. 58 Marozsan three times during a commanding first set performance.
The talented 23-year-old advanced to a 5-3 lead in the second set by executing a fifth break against Marozsan, ultimately sealing the match with a resounding ace on match point, concluding the encounter in just 63 minutes.
