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Tennis

Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Leylah Fernandez, talk to John McEnroe during a

Auger-Aliassime, Fernandez named Tennis Canada’s players of the year

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

MONTREAL - Félix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Annie Fernandez headlined Tennis Canada's annual awards on Thursday.

Montreal's Auger-Aliassime, who won four ATP Tour events last year, including three straight late in the year before leading Canada to its first Davis Cup title, won in the men's singles category.

Fernandez, from Laval, Que., who defended her Monterrey Open title, won in the women's singles category.

"Having led Team Canada to its first-ever Davis Cup title and with four ATP singles titles to his name, Félix is a well-deserving recipient in the men’s category," said Michael Downey, president and CEO of Tennis Canada. "On the women’s side, Leylah has continued to showcase her skills and prove that she is one of the top talents on the WTA Tour."

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Vasek Pospisil: Canada’s Davis Cup victory a career highlight

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Vasek Pospisil: Canada’s Davis Cup victory a career highlight

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

TORONTO - Canada's Davis Cup team developed a foolproof ritual before each of its matches along the way to the country's first-ever championship.

All of the players would slowly start to clap in their locker room, letting the tempo and volume of their applause build. As it hit a crescendo, team manager Alain Beaupré would burst into the room and start yelling the name of the next Canadian to hit the court, with the other players exploding in laughter.

"I don't even know how to describe it. He'll hold this like monotone voice and we'll just start laughing," said Vasek Pospisil on Wednesday, chuckling as he recounted the memory in the lounge of a downtown Toronto hotel. "We have this really good team energy.

"We make sure before someone gets on the court that we're all fired up."

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Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

Canada's Vasek Pospisil, left, and Felix Auger Aliassime celebrate after defeating Italy's Matteo Berrettini and Fabio Fognini during the semi-final Davis Cup tennis doubles match between Italy and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Canada's Davis Cup team developed a foolproof ritual before each of its matches along the way to the country's first-ever championship. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Joan Monfort
Canada's Vasek Pospisil, left, and Felix Auger Aliassime celebrate after defeating Italy's Matteo Berrettini and Fabio Fognini during the semi-final Davis Cup tennis doubles match between Italy and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Canada's Davis Cup team developed a foolproof ritual before each of its matches along the way to the country's first-ever championship. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Joan Monfort

“It was time for Canada” — Davis Cup team tennis trophy finally in Canadian hands

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

“It was time for Canada” — Davis Cup team tennis trophy finally in Canadian hands

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Nov. 28, 2022

Robert Bettauer was Tennis Canada's director of tennis development some three decades ago when the federation created a vision statement with some lofty goals.

One of the top priorities was to one day win a Davis Cup title. On Sunday, Canada finally did it with a historic victory over Australia in Malaga, Spain.

"I just sent (former coaching director) Pierre Lamarche a text and said, 'Mission accomplished,'" Bettauer said.

A sky-high goal for a program that wasn't a tennis power at the time, Canada has slowly but surely become a player on the sport's international scene.

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Monday, Nov. 28, 2022

Canada's Felix Auger Aliassime, centre, celebrates with teammate after defeating Australia's Alex de Minaur during the final Davis Cup tennis match between Australia and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Joan Monfort
Canada's Felix Auger Aliassime, centre, celebrates with teammate after defeating Australia's Alex de Minaur during the final Davis Cup tennis match between Australia and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Joan Monfort

Courting Disaster: Sportsnet loses Davis Cup feed just before Canada’s historic win

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Courting Disaster: Sportsnet loses Davis Cup feed just before Canada’s historic win

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Nov. 28, 2022

The timing of a technical glitch that knocked the Davis Cup final off the air on Sportsnet couldn't have come at a worse time for tennis fans across Canada.

Instead of watching the dramatic scenes of the country's first-ever win at the prestigious team event, viewers were left in the dark Sunday due to an issue with the network's satellite feed.

Broadcasters Rob Faulds and Robert Bettauer, who were providing commentary from a remote studio, had to call the last few points by checking an online scoreboard.

"I'm putting it kindly when I say that was just an unbelievably exasperating moment, and not just for me (but) everybody watching across the country," Bettauer told The Canadian Press.

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Monday, Nov. 28, 2022

Canada's Felix Auger Aliassime, center, celebrates with teammate after defeating Australia's Alex de Minaur during the final Davis Cup tennis match between Australia and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Joan Monfort
Canada's Felix Auger Aliassime, center, celebrates with teammate after defeating Australia's Alex de Minaur during the final Davis Cup tennis match between Australia and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Joan Monfort

Canada beats Australia to claim its first Davis Cup tennis championship

Stephanie Myles, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Canada beats Australia to claim its first Davis Cup tennis championship

Stephanie Myles, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022

The Davis Cup is billed as the “World Championship of Tennis”.

And on Sunday in Malagá, Spain, Canada defeated Australia and won it.

The squad that wasn’t even supposed to be in the finals at all lifted the iconic trophy for the first time since its initial participation all the way back in 1913.

After being swept 4-0 by the Netherlands in a qualifying tie back in March — a tie top players Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov both decided to skip — Canada was given a pass (as the highest-ranked country eliminated) into to the final phases of the event when defending champion Russia was ejected from the tournament following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022

Canada's Felix Auger Aliassime reacts as he plays Australia's Alex de Minaur during the final Davis Cup tennis match between Australia and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Joan Monfort
Canada's Felix Auger Aliassime reacts as he plays Australia's Alex de Minaur during the final Davis Cup tennis match between Australia and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Joan Monfort

Auger-Aliassime leads Canada into Davis Cup final showdown with Australia

The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Auger-Aliassime leads Canada into Davis Cup final showdown with Australia

The Canadian Press 6 minute read Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022

MÁLAGA, Spain - After getting into the final rounds through the back door, Canada is now headed to the Davis Cup championship tie for the second time in the last three tournaments.

Montreal’s Félix Auger-Aliassime erased Denis Shapovalov’s defeat in the first match of Saturday’s semifinal tie against Italy by winning his singles. The world No. 6 then teamed up in doubles with Vasek Pospisil as a late substitution to give Canada a 2-1 victory.

Canada will face Australia on Sunday (7 a.m. ET), with the winning nation taking home the iconic trophy and sharing the winner’s prize of US$2.5 million.

“I'm so proud of this team and so proud of the guys, what they have accomplished," captain Frank Dancevic said in the team’s post-match conference. "We are going to celebrate a bit tonight, for sure, but we have another match tomorrow. The ultimate goal is to win the Cup, and that's what we are dialled in to do."

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Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022

Canada's Vasek Pospisil, left, and Felix Auger Aliassime celebrates after defeating Italy's Matteo Berrettini and Fabio Fognini during the semi-final Davis Cup tennis doubles match between Italy and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Auger-Aliassime won a key singles match, then teamed with Vasek Pospisil for a clinching doubles victory as Canada advanced to the Davis Cup final with a 2-1 win over Italy on Saturday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Joan Monfort
Canada's Vasek Pospisil, left, and Felix Auger Aliassime celebrates after defeating Italy's Matteo Berrettini and Fabio Fognini during the semi-final Davis Cup tennis doubles match between Italy and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Auger-Aliassime won a key singles match, then teamed with Vasek Pospisil for a clinching doubles victory as Canada advanced to the Davis Cup final with a 2-1 win over Italy on Saturday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Joan Monfort

Canada through to Davis Cup semifinals with 2-1 win over Germany

The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Canada through to Davis Cup semifinals with 2-1 win over Germany

The Canadian Press 6 minute read Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022

MÁLAGA, Spain - Denis Shapovalov overcame a loss in the opening singles match and teamed with Vasek Pospisil in a deciding doubles victory as Canada advanced to the semifinals of the Davis Cup with a 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday.

Shapovalov, of Richmond Hill, Ont., and Pospisil, of Vernon, B.C., looked out of their depth in the first set against doubles specialists Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz before turning the tables and posting a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 win.

Shapovalov iced the tie when his return on match point gave the Canadians their third break of the match.

"Having Vasek is amazing. You know, not only is he unbelievable for singles but he's so credited for doubles," Shapovalov said.

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Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022

Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz of Germany play against Canada's Vasek Posposil and Denis Shapovalov during a Davis Cup quarter-final tennis match between Germany and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz of Germany play against Canada's Vasek Posposil and Denis Shapovalov during a Davis Cup quarter-final tennis match between Germany and Canada in Malaga, Spain, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov likely to get singles nods for Canada at Davis Cup

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov likely to get singles nods for Canada at Davis Cup

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov reached the final when they played in the Davis Cup together three years ago.

They have reunited this week in Malaga, Spain, with a goal of leading Canada to its first title at the season-closing team event.

"Teams are afraid of us," Canadian captain Frank Dancevic said Tuesday. "We have two top guys coming in, they've played a lot of matches and they're confident. I feel like we have a mental edge coming in for sure.

"But people are going to come after us too. Guys are going to come swinging."

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Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022

Canada's Denis Shapovalov and teammate Felix Auger-Aliassime, left, celebrate after defeating Britain's Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury in their match at the ATP Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Mark Baker
Canada's Denis Shapovalov and teammate Felix Auger-Aliassime, left, celebrate after defeating Britain's Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury in their match at the ATP Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Mark Baker

Djokovic matches Federer’s record with 6th ATP Finals title

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Djokovic matches Federer’s record with 6th ATP Finals title

The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022

TURIN, Italy (AP) — Novak Djokovic claimed a record-equaling sixth ATP Finals title by beating the third-seeded Casper Ruud on Sunday to top a fantastic finish to the season for the Serb.

Djokovic won 7-5, 6-3 to secure his first title at the event since 2015 and match Roger Federer’s record.

The 35-year-old Djokovic, who had lost his two previous finals at the event, raised his arms out and smiled broadly after sealing the match with an ace.

“Seven years has been a long time,” Djokovic said. "At the same time, the fact that I waited seven years makes this victory even sweeter and even bigger.

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Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates with his son after defeating Norway's Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-3, in their singles final tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals at the Pala Alpitour, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates with his son after defeating Norway's Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-3, in their singles final tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals at the Pala Alpitour, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime falls to American Taylor Fritz at ATP Finals

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime falls to American Taylor Fritz at ATP Finals

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

TURIN, Italy - Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime dropped a 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 6-2 decision to American Taylor Fritz on Thursday at the ATP Finals.

Fritz earned his first service break of the match midway through the deciding set and went on to complete the victory in two hours 44 minutes.

With the win, he locked up a spot in Saturday's semifinals against Serbia's Novak Djokovic. Auger-Aliassime was eliminated from the eight-man competition.

"It's unfortunate," Auger-Aliassime said. "Myself, I had chances in the second set. I had a clear chance on a return.

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Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime returns the ball to United States' Taylor Fritz during their singles tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals, at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Auger-Aliassime dropped a 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 6-2 decision to Fritz on Thursday at the ATP Finals. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Antonio Calanni
Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime returns the ball to United States' Taylor Fritz during their singles tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals, at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Auger-Aliassime dropped a 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 6-2 decision to Fritz on Thursday at the ATP Finals. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Antonio Calanni

Australia says Djokovic has visa to play Australian Open

Rod Mcguirk, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Australia says Djokovic has visa to play Australian Open

Rod Mcguirk, The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The Australian government confirmed on Thursday that Novak Djokovic had been granted a visa to compete in the Australian Open in January a year after he was deported over his stance against COVID-19 vaccination.

The 21-time Grand Slam singles champion had his visa canceled on public interest grounds on Jan. 14 and lost an appeal against deportation in the Full Federal Court.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said he had approved Djokovic’s application to revoke the cancellation decision because the ground for canceling the visa no longer existed. The visa ban could have lasted for three years.

“Mr. Djokovic has subsequently been granted a temporary visa to enter Australia,” Giles said in a statement.

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Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

In this photo taken with slow shutter speed, Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Russia's Andrej Rublev during their singles tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals, at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
In this photo taken with slow shutter speed, Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Russia's Andrej Rublev during their singles tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals, at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Dream victory: Canada’s Auger-Aliassime downs top-seeded Nadal at ATP Finals

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Dream victory: Canada’s Auger-Aliassime downs top-seeded Nadal at ATP Finals

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022

TURIN, Italy - Felix Auger-Aliassime's dream of defeating his tennis idol came true on Tuesday.

After a loss to Norway's Casper Ruud to open his first career appearance at the season-ending ATP Finals, Auger-Aliassime regained his scorching end-of-season form with a 6-3, 6-4 win over top-seeded Rafael Nadal in round-robin play.

“I wasn’t sure If I would be here one day or if I could only dream of it," Auger-Aliassime said of defeating the Spanish legend for the first time.

“The age difference is huge, and it proves what a champion he is and what an example because he is still here at 36, battling against guys in their young 20s. He is a great champion and has a great attitude."

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Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022

Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime returns the ball to Norway's Casper Ruud during their singles tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals, at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Antonio Calanni
Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime returns the ball to Norway's Casper Ruud during their singles tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals, at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Antonio Calanni

Fritz beats Nadal at ATP Finals; Ruud downs Auger-Aliassime

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Fritz beats Nadal at ATP Finals; Ruud downs Auger-Aliassime

The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

TURIN, Italy (AP) — Rafael Nadal’s bid to win one of the few titles missing from his glittering career started poorly as he was beaten in straight sets by eighth-seeded Taylor Fritz in their opening match at the ATP Finals on Sunday.

After a close-fought opening set, Fritz dominated the second as the American secured a 7-6 (3), 6-1 victory over the top-seeded Nadal.

Fritz strengthened his grip on the match when he broke Nadal’s serve in the fourth game of the second set.

Nadal fought valiantly to stay in the match and managed to save four break points in the sixth game but Fritz prevailed at the fifth time of asking to leave him serving for the match. He closed it out when the Spaniard sent a forehand long.

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Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball to United States' Taylor Fritz during their singles tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals, at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball to United States' Taylor Fritz during their singles tennis match of the ATP World Tour Finals, at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Switzerland beats Australia to win Billie Jean King Cup

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Switzerland beats Australia to win Billie Jean King Cup

The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Belinda Bencic keeps delivering big titles for Switzerland.

The Olympic singles champion made sure Switzerland won the biggest prize in women's team tennis for the first time on Sunday, completing a near-perfect tournament by beating Australia's Alja Tomljanovic in straight sets in the Billie Jean King Cup final.

The win gave Switzerland an unassailable 2-0 lead after Jil Teichmann outlasted Australia's Storm Sanders 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in the opening singles match.

Bencic had not dropped a set all week and extended that streak by beating Tomljanovic 6-2, 6-1 to clinch the title. The 25-year-old Bencic has only made it past the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament once — reaching the semifinals of the 2019 U.S. Open — but seems to always raise her level when playing for Switzerland.

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Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

Switzerland's Belinda Bencicreacts after scoring a point against Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic during their final match of the Billie Jean King Cup tennis finals, at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Switzerland's Belinda Bencicreacts after scoring a point against Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic during their final match of the Billie Jean King Cup tennis finals, at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Canada’s Auger-Aliassime makes ATP Tour World Finals debut against Norway’s Ruud

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canada’s Auger-Aliassime makes ATP Tour World Finals debut against Norway’s Ruud

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

TURIN, Italy - Felix Auger-Aliassime's late-season surge has taken him to the next level.

The Montreal native made his ATP Tour Finals debut on Sunday, dropping a 7-6 (4), 6-4 decision to Norway's Casper Ruud.

Auger-Aliassime earned his way into the elite season-ending event in Turin, Italy, with an impressive 16-match win streak, winning three of the final four ATP Tour events of the year.

The 22-year-old Auger-Aliassime took titles in Florence, Antwerp, and Basel during that run. He also won in Rotterdam earlier in the season.

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Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada returns the ball to Holger Rune from Denmark during their semi final match of the Paris Masters tennis tournament at the Accor Arena in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Michel Euler
Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada returns the ball to Holger Rune from Denmark during their semi final match of the Paris Masters tennis tournament at the Accor Arena in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Michel Euler

Canada ousted by Switzerland at Billie Jean King Cup

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canada ousted by Switzerland at Billie Jean King Cup

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Friday, Nov. 11, 2022

GLASGOW, United Kingdom - Canada was eliminated from the Billie Jean King Cup after dropping two singles matches to Switzerland in the women's international tennis competition on Friday.

Bianca Andreescu, of Mississauga, Ont., fell 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Viktorija Golubic in the opener, before Montreal’s Leylah Fernandez dropped a 6-0, 7-5 straight-set decision to Belinda Bencic.

"Today was super up-and-down," Andreescu said after her match. "I fought as hard as I could.

"I felt like I could have played better in certain moments, maybe be more smart with my tactics. … Obviously disappointing."

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Friday, Nov. 11, 2022

Canada's Leylah Fernandez plays a return to Switzerland's Belinda Bencic on the 4th day of the Billie Jean King Cup tennis finals at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Kin Cheung
Canada's Leylah Fernandez plays a return to Switzerland's Belinda Bencic on the 4th day of the Billie Jean King Cup tennis finals at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Kin Cheung

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