MONTREAL — Canada faces a challenging uphill battle as they try to recover from a 2-0 deficit against Hungary in the exhilarating Davis Cup men’s team tennis tournament.
In a gripping showdown at IGA Stadium, Fabian Marozsan clinched victory over Alexis Galarneau, followed by Marton Fucsovics overpowering Gabriel Diallo, leaving Hungary with a decisive advantage in this best-of-five first-round qualifier.
Marozsan battled through to a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory against the Laval, Que. native Galarneau in the opening clash. Diallo from Montreal showcased resilience by winning his first set, but Fucsovics responded strongly, ultimately winning 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Looking ahead, Vasek Pospisil from Vernon, B.C., and Liam Draxl of Newmarket, Ont., are set to take on Marozsan and Mate Valkusz in a critical doubles match on Sunday. Should the tie go to more matches, Diallo may face Marozsan again, while Galarneau is poised to challenge Fucsovics.
The victor of this thrilling two-day tie will progress to the second round of qualifiers in September, while the defeated team will drop to World Group 1 status.
Canada has experienced some heartache in the quarterfinals over the past two years but boasts a formidable record, winning nine of their last ten matches on home soil.