Félix Auger-Aliassime was instrumental in keeping Canada’s ATP Cup hopes alive on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old Quebecer first scored a singles victory over Britain’s Cameron Norrie. He then joined forces with Denis Shapovalov in doubles to defeat Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury 6-4, 6-1 to deliver a 2-1 victory for Canada in Group C of this team competition.
The result means the four teams in Group C are 1-1 heading into the final group matches on Thursday.
The duo won 82% (27 in 33) of their points with their first serve point, and they put on a show of power to seal their victory in 70 minutes.
Canada will face Germany in their final Group C game, while Great Britain will face the United States.
Earlier, in singles, Auger-Aliassime gave hope to the Canadian delegation by defeating Norrie 7-6 (4), 6-3 and drawing the tie 1-1.
After Canada’s loss to the United States in its first game and Shapovalov’s loss to Daniel Evans on Tuesday, Canada was under threat of elimination from the playoff phase if Auger-Aliassime failed to defeat Norrie.
Despite the pressure, Auger-Aliassime, no World 11, now in his second ATP Cup appearance, rose to the challenge with heavy, powerful forehands, forcing Norrie to stay behind the baseline. He triumphed after a match that lasted an hour and 59 minutes. “I’m happy,” said Auger-Aliassime during his interview on the pitch. Against a player like Cam, who plays really well, you try to find a way to win, and the most important thing at the end of the day is victory. I’m happy to keep the team alive, but the job isn’t done. “
Auger-Aliassime totaled 18 winning strokes in the first inning, but he had to be patient. Norrie saved seven set points, including four in the tiebreaker, before Auger-Aliassime managed to secure the round with a smash.
He continued to play aggressively in the second set as he outscored Norrie from the baseline. Auger-Aliassime had two breakages in the second set to give Canada its first win of the tournament.
In the first game, Evans continued his good work for the British squad in the ATP Cup, disposing of Shapovalov 6-4, 6-4 to continue his perfect start to the season and give his country a lead of 1- 0.
The 31-year-old, who won decisive singles and doubles wins over Germany on Sunday, played steadily and used his cut backhand effectively to make it harder for Shapovalov.
The one who occupies the 25e Rankings now hold a 5-1 record in ATP Cup singles and lead Shapovalov 2-1 in their showdown.
Dominant Russians
In the other matches on the line, Daniil Medvedev and Roman Safiullin won their singles matches before teaming up to take the doubles to give defending champions Russia a victory over Australia and first place in the group B.
Russia are 2-0 in the tournament but have yet to defeat Italy on Thursday in a rematch between last year’s finalists to secure their presence in the semi-finals.
Italy, for its part, rebounded from its loss to Australia on Sunday sweeping France. Jannik Sinner disposed of Arthur Rinderknech 6-3, 7-6 (3), and Matteo Berrettini defeated Ugo Humbert 6-4, 7-6 (6) in singles.
In Group C, Germany got the better of the United States. Jan-Lennard Struff faced 34 aces, but managed to win 7-6 (7), 4-6, 7-5 over John Isner, giving Germany the advantage. Alexander Zverev then sealed the victory for his team, on his fifth match point, defeating Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4.
The four group winners of the 16-team tournament advance to the semi-finals on Friday and Saturday, with the final scheduled for Sunday.