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Davis Cup: Canada loses first match of semi-final against Italy

Denis Shapovalov lost in three sets against Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the first of two singles matches of the day.

Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, left, shakes hand with Canada's Denis Shapovalov after men's single semi-final match at the Davis Cup tennis tournament match in Malaga, Spain on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022.
Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, left, shakes hand with Canada's Denis Shapovalov after men's single semi-final match at the Davis Cup tennis tournament match in Malaga, Spain on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Photo by JORGE GUERRERO /AFP via Getty Images

MALAGA, Spain — Just as he had to do last Thursday against Oscar Otte and Germany, Félix Auger-Aliassime will have to come to the rescue of Denis Shapovalov and Canada on Saturday in the semifinals of the Davis Cup Finals.

After a gruelling three hours and 14 minutes duel, during which he received lower back treatments between the third and fourth games of the third set, Shapovalov lost in three sets of 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5) and 6-4 against Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the first of two singles matches of the day.

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In the decisive set, Shapovalov committed seven double faults including three in the 10th game. His last double fault gave victory to Sonego.

For Canada to reach the Davis Cup grand final for the second time in its history, Auger-Aliassime must first defeat Lorenzo Musetti in the other singles match.

Thereafter, a doubles match will be needed to determine which country will face Australia in the grand final on Sunday.

In principle, Canada must delegate Shapovalov and Vasek Pospisil for this doubles match, against Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini.

Shapovalov and Pospisil teamed up on Thursday to erase a one-set deficit to zero and win the deciding double against Germany, securing Canada’s spot in the semifinals