Canada Upsets Italy, Russians Win; Nadal Today In Davis Cup

The newly revamped Davis Cup finals got underway yesterday in Madrid, Spain. Led by Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev, Russia blew past Croatia 3-0.

“When you play, not only for yourself but your country, you need to give extra toughness and extra fight,” Khachanov said. “It was a tough match, it was a solid match from both of us. First time playing here in Madrid on hard court, opening match, extra pressure, it was important to start well. Had some opportunities and took them, I’m really happy we won this tie.”

Canada pulled a mild upset with Vasek Pospisil and Denis Shapovalov beating Fabio Fognini and Matteo Berrettini, respectively, en route to a 3-0 win.

“I’m really happy to get the win, and against such an amazing player as Matteo,” Shapovalov said. “He’s had such an unbelievable season and he’s playing some great tennis. It’s amazing to win the match, especially like this, in three tiebreak sets.”

Belgium also overwhelmed Colombia 2-1.

Today, Rafael Nadal takes center stage in his home nation against against Russia.

Canada returns to battle the U.S. France and Australia are also in action on a big second day.

Centre Court – Group B
Russia defeated Croatia 3-0
Andrey Rublev (RUS) d. Borna Gojo (CRO) 6-3 6-3
Karen Khachanov (RUS) d. Borna Coric (CRO) 6-7(4) 6-4 6-4
Karen Khachanov/Andrey Rublev (RUS) d. Ivan Dodig/Nikola Mektic (CRO) 7-6(3) 6-4

Stadium 2 – Group F
Canada defeated Italy 2-1
Vasek Pospisil (CAN) d. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 7-6(5) 7-5
Denis Shapovalov (CAN) d. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 7-6(5)
Matteo Berrettini/Fabio Fognini (ITA) d. Vasek Pospisil/Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 6-2 3-6 6-3

Stadium 3 – Group D
Belgium defeated Colombia 2-1
Steve Darcis (BEL) d. Santiago Giraldo (COL) 6-3 6-2
David Goffin (BEL) d. Daniel Elahi Galan (COL) 3-6 6-3 6-3
Juan-Sebastian Cabal/Robert Farah (COL) d. Sander Gille/Joran Vliegen (BEL) 6-7(5) 6-4 7-6(3)

DAVIS CUP DAY 2 SCHEDULE
Player nominations must be submitted to the Referee one hour before the start of each session.
Day Session (11am)
Centre Court – Group C – Argentina v Chile
Stadium 2 – Group A – France v Japan
Stadium 3 – Group E – Kazakhstan v Netherlands

Evening Session (Not before 6pm)
Centre Court – Group B – Spain v Russia
Stadium 2 – Group F – USA v Canada
Stadium 3 – Group D – Australia v Colombia