Gabriel Diallo is stepping back onto familiar ground, prepared to lead Canada once more.
With top players Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov unavailable, Diallo takes center stage in this weekend’s Davis Cup tie against Hungary.
The 23-year-old from Montreal celebrated a successful outing in his hometown last year, securing two singles victories against South Korea in the men’s team tournament, which paved the way for an outstanding season in 2024.
Currently boasting a career-high ranking of No. 85 — nearly 50 spots higher than just a year ago — the six-foot-eight Diallo approaches the weekend with his signature blend of calmness and confidence.
“No matter if I’m the top-ranked player or sitting at number 50 (in Canada), my mindset remains unchanged,” he remarked after Friday’s draw. “I’m fully prepared for any challenge and will give my all.”
In the tournament opener on Saturday, Alexis Galarneau from Laval, Quebec, will face Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in what promises to be an exciting first match of the best-of-five qualifier.
Diallo is set to compete against Marton Fucsovics in the second match, hoping to carry on the momentum from last year’s triumph on the indoor hard courts at IGA Stadium, which holds 2,000 fans.
“Winning here in Montreal last year felt incredibly special for me,” he shared. “This is where my journey began, and the familiar faces in the crowd made it all the more meaningful.”
“There’s a certain energy that comes from that support, especially if you can replicate last year’s success.”
In 2024, Diallo achieved significant milestones: clinching a Challenger event title, reaching an ATP 250 final, and advancing to the third round of the US Open.
“It’s been remarkable to witness his transformation,” said Canada’s team captain, Frank Dancevic. “Diallo has honed many aspects of his game, establishing himself as a formidable player on the tour — we’re thrilled to have him on our team.”
The lineup also includes veteran Vasek Pospisil from Vernon, B.C., Liam Draxl from Newmarket, Ont., and Calgary’s Cleeve Harper.
Pospisil and Draxl are poised to take on Marozsan and Mate Valkusz in the doubles match scheduled for Sunday. Should it come down to it, Diallo would face Marozsan in a potential fourth match while Galarneau would contend with Fucsovics in the fifth.
With Canada sitting at third in the Davis Cup rankings and Hungary at 22nd, the dynamics shifted with Auger-Aliassime engaged in a tournament in France, and Shapovalov pulling out due to a back injury.
“Their team may be slightly diminished without Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov,” commented Hungary’s captain, Kornel Bardocz. “However, we recognize the strength of their remaining players, and our team has thoroughly prepared for this challenge.”
Hungary has brought its strongest competitors abroad, with Marozsan ranked 58th and having previously reached No. 36, while Fucsovics holds the 96th spot but has experience in the top 30.
“Hungary is serious about this by sending their top players,” noted Dancevic. “Fucsovics has a wealth of experience and has ranked as high as No. 31, while Marozsan is an emerging talent with a remarkable game and is coming off good results from the Australian Open.”
“In my view, we’re quite evenly matched. Both teams have solid lineups, and I anticipate that this won’t be a quick weekend; it has the potential to go to four or five matches.”
Though ranked No. 176, Galarneau recently pulled off an upset against Fucsovics, winning 6-3, 6-4 at a Challenger event in Portugal. At just 23, Draxl boasts the top doubles ranking on the Canadian squad at No. 113.
“This is a young team, aside from Vasek, of course,” Dancevic joked, eliciting laughter during the press conference.
Pospisil is set to participate in his 35th Davis Cup tie, cognizant that this could be his final appearance as retirement looms.
“I want to fully appreciate this experience,” he expressed. “Though I haven’t made a definitive decision yet, there’s a strong possibility this will be my last go-round, so I want to enjoy every moment.”
“Nonetheless, I’m here to perform, and I aim to contribute towards a victory in doubles.”
This clash marks the first Davis Cup encounter between Canada and Hungary.
The victorious team from this two-day competition will advance to the second round of qualifying in September, while the losing team will drop to the World Group 1 level.
Canada has reached the quarterfinals in the last two years and boasts a staggering record of winning nine out of their last ten home ties.