Thanks in particular to important victories from Félix Auger-Aliassime during the week, Canada was crowned champion of the ATP Cup in Sydney on Sunday, defeating Spain 2-0 in the final.
• Read also: A friendship that leads Félix and “Shapo” to the final
The Canadians became the third winners in the history of this team competition, after Serbia and Russia.
“The emotions are incredible, launched Félix on the ground, after his triumph. There is no better feeling than winning. »
A difficult start
Especially since Canada has come a long way in the last few days. At the end of December, Auger-Aliassime and his compatriots did not even know if they could play in the tournament.
Shapovalov had been diagnosed with COVID-19 when he arrived in Sydney over Christmas. Steven Diez was stuck at home due to a positive test and he didn’t know if he could be in Australia in time for the event. Peter Polansky had just withdrawn for personal reasons.
Appointed captain to replace Polansky, Felix had no choice but to cross his fingers. If “Shapo” and Diez had not been able to play, the representatives of the maple leaf would have had to withdraw from the tournament.
Then, Canada opened the competition losing all three games to the United States. “We had a difficult start, admitted Auger-Aliassime, but during our confrontation against Great Britain [le deuxième adversaire du Canada], things started to fall into place. We started to believe in it more and more, ”continued the Quebecer.
And sure enough, the Canadians went on to beat Germany, Russia and Spain back-to-back to claim the trophy.
Dominant and final
Against the Spaniards – deprived of Rafael Nadal, who was playing the Melbourne tournament – Shapovalov started strong by defeating the 20e world, Pablo Carreno Busta. The 14e ATP racket dominated 6-4 and 6-3.
Then, Félix confirmed the crowning of Canada by beating Roberto Bautista Agut (19e) 7-6 (3) and 6-3, after breaking into a cold sweat in the first set.
The 21-year-old had a good week in Sydney, despite his dry loss to Russian Daniil Medvedev (2e in the world, 6-4 and 6-0), in the semi-finals. In singles, Auger-Aliassime had the upper hand over three members of the top 20: Briton Cameron Norrie, 12e, the German Alexander Zverev, third, then Bautista Agut.
He should point this morning to the ninth level of the ATP rankings, which represents a jump of two ranks compared to last week, but above all, a career high.
“I like to believe that this title will serve as a springboard for the whole team for the rest of the season,” said Félix. Winning is not easy. It takes a lot of effort. »
Another page of history was written in Sydney
Photo AFP
Steven Diez, Félix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov and Brayden Schnur joined forces to help Canada claim their first ATP Cup on Sunday.
Each first achieved by a Canadian player on the world stage increases the notoriety of tennis in the country. Canada’s victory at the ATP Cup on Sunday was no exception, Denis Shapovalov believes.
“It’s incredible for our country,” he said at a press conference. We’re not really a summer sports nation at first, but over the past five years, with success at the Olympics and so many good athletes in tennis, things are changing. It’s a good step forward. »
Two years ago, the Canadians lost in the Davis Cup final against the Spaniards. Admittedly, the conditions were different: Rafael Nadal was in the competition and the representatives of the maple leaf were much less experienced. Nor is the ATP Cup the Davis Cup, a century-old competition that is still one of the season’s star events. But “Shapo” still appreciates the distance traveled between this defeat in the final and the coronation on Sunday.
“I hope our victory was seen in Canada. In fact, I think it was and I hope it inspires a lot of young people to pick up a racquet and start playing tennis,” the 23-year-old said.
“I hope it gives something to celebrate for young people and people who are going through difficult times with us, with confinement, continued Félix Auger-Aliassime. That could have put a smile on their face. »
His arm was shaking
This triumph will have taken on the appearance of an apprenticeship for Auger-Aliassime. In search of a first singles title on the ATP, after losing eight finals, the Quebecer was able to taste the euphoria of an important conquest.
It was he who provided the decisive victory for Canada by beating veteran Roberto Bautista Agut. Something to inspire him for the future.
“It’s hard to describe how heavy my arm becomes at times like this,” Félix said in an interview with Hi hello, Sunday. In fact, your arm shakes in this kind of situation. »
“Over the years, however, you come to adapt, he added. You try to see the good sides of the moment. By dint of winning matches like these, it’s a habit that champions take. »
Sleep with the trophy
The event organizers presented small trophies to each member of the Canadian team, which also included Steven Diez and Brayden Schnur. That way, no quibbles. Each player was able to sleep with their precious loot last night.
