Félix Auger-Aliassime caused a big surprise by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in three sets of 6-7 (3), 6-3 and 6-2, Friday afternoon, thus creating the equality 1-1 in the duel between Canada and Spain in the group stage of the Davis Cup Finals.
However, the Quebecer did not have time to celebrate since he was back on the field about 30 minutes later for the ultimate doubles match with his compatriot Vasek Pospisil.
Auger Aliassime, 13e player in the world, was playing a second career game against the new noh 1 in the world and US Open champion. The Quebecer had taken advantage of the abandonment of the one considered to be the dolphin of Rafael Nadal during their only previous duel, in the quarter-finals of the United States Open in 2021.
The indoor room in Valencia was packed with Spaniards eager to see their new young darling. Alcaraz, 19, was busy signing autographs and posing for photos after practice.
Earlier on Friday, Roberto Bautista Agut came from behind to defeat Pospisil 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 to give Spain a 1-0 lead.
Bautista Agut helped Spain beat Serbia 3-0 on Wednesday as Alcaraz rested after returning the day before from New York where they won their maiden Grand Slam title on Sunday.
Three other venues across Europe host the group stage ahead of the quarter-finals played in Malaga, southern Spain, in November.
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