Montreal is a welcome venue for Crew Canada offered by IGA. The Canadian Davis Cup group has gained their final three ties in Quebec’s largest metropolis, with the final loss being within the earlier century.
And naturally, this weekend’s Davis Cup Qualifiers 1st Spherical tie towards Hungary shall be happening on the very same courtroom the place the Canadians defeated the Republic of Korea a 12 months in the past.
Canadian Davis Cup captain Frank Dancevic, who spoke to the media on Wednesday, is actually glad to be again.
“It’s at all times enjoyable to be again house. Prior to now seven years since I’ve been captain, we’ve solely performed right here just a few instances at house so it’s an incredible feeling to be right here in entrance of the house crowd and get that little little bit of a bonus. I’m wanting ahead to the week,” mentioned Dancevic. “We actually appreciated it final time. We thought it was an awesome atmosphere for the gamers. The gamers liked all the things. It is a very nice setup for everyone, it really works effectively for the groups.”
Tennis in Canada in February isn’t one thing inherently logical. Dancevic’s press convention and the group’s open follow on Wednesday occurred whereas the snow was piling up outdoors IGA Stadium. After all, the matches shall be performed safely indoors on a short lived courtroom.
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The captain was requested concerning the courtroom the place the matches shall be performed this weekend and was pressed on whether or not he felt a roof ought to be constructed on the principle out of doors courtroom at IGA Stadium and if having 12,000 followers on the massive courtroom can be higher than the smaller crowd indoors this weekend.
“I don’t know the way a lot of a distinction [having a big stadium] would make. It’s environment. The whole lot feels actually near the courtroom. It’s an awesome atmosphere for the gamers. We’re actually proud of the setup,” defined Dancevic.
It’s 3000 individuals but it surely feels prefer it’s rather a lot greater due to the environment. Tennis Canada did a very good job of constructing a very good atmosphere for the tie. We did it right here up to now and the gamers and all people actually loved the environment. Whether or not it’s 3000 right here or 10,000 in a much bigger stadium, generally it doesn’t actually change a lot on courtroom. It’s extra the atmosphere, what the gamers really feel. Typically we play in massive stadiums however you don’t actually hear the gang as a lot as an atmosphere like this. As a participant, I favor this than an enormous stadium as a result of you realize you’re going to get a sold-out crowd and you realize it’s going to be an awesome environment. And I do know the gamers actually take pleasure in it.”
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It might have slipped underneath the radar for informal tennis followers, however an ATP Challenger occasion final week in Oeiras, Portugal, might have some fascinating implications for this week’s tie.
4 of the ten gamers suiting up in Montreal this week have been competing in Oeiras. Canadians Alexis Galarneau, Liam Draxl, and Cleeve Harper have been all within the attracts, whereas Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics was the highest seed in singles.
“I’ve it recorded on my laptop,” joked Dancevic when requested concerning the occasion.
The primary piece of intrigue got here in spherical two, when Galarneau defeated Fucsovics in straight units.
This weekend, Galarneau and Fucsovics are each their nation’s second-highest-ranked participant on the Davis Cup. Had been they each to be nominated together with Gabriel Diallo and Fabian Maroszan, the projected No. 1s, they might have a rematch within the decisive fifth rubber.
But it surely will not be that straightforward.
Galarneau went on to achieve the semifinals, the place he was crushed by none apart from Draxl. By reaching the ultimate in Oeiras, the Newmarket-ON native’s second Challenger singles closing already in 2025, Draxl moved into the Prime 200 on the ATP Tour for the primary time in his profession and now sits simply 5 spots again of his Davis Cup teammate.
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It’s a little bit of a wierd turnaround, to go from rivals to teammates in simply a few days, however Dancevic defined that “It’s regular for us as gamers. It occurs each week, we may play mates or fellow Canadians. It’s one thing we’re used to on tour. It occurred to me rather a lot that I performed fellow Canadians after I was on tour. We’re used to it. It’s fully regular. This week, after they’re collectively, they’re mates. It’s like nothing occurred. That’s the way it goes. Typically you win, generally you lose. That’s the lifetime of a tennis participant.”
So, if Galarneau beat Fucsovics, a possible opponent this weekend, however Draxl beat Galarneau, who performs?
“It may positively affect the choice,” mentioned the captain. “There may be nonetheless numerous time earlier than the matches for follow and to see how our guys are taking part in and the way the opposite guys are. The whole lot is on the desk and the choices shall be made earlier than the match however there are a variety of issues I contemplate earlier than deciding who will play.”
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Draxl and Harper teamed as much as win the doubles title in Oeiras, making a robust case to earn the nomination for the doubles match on Sunday. The pair are at present the highest two Canadians within the ATP doubles rankings and have gained 5 titles (out of seven finals) collectively for the reason that US Open.
In terms of making the doubles choice, “generally, this could have an effect on the choices. There are a variety of selections to be made on this group,” mentioned Dancevic. “We’ve got Vasek [Pospisil], who may be very skilled in doubles, who has gained a Grand Slam, who was Prime 5 on the earth. We’ve got guys who’ve good chemistry. It’s downside to have, to have numerous choices. Some groups haven’t any alternative, they need to play sure gamers. For us to have extra choices, that’s higher for us.
The nominations for the tie shall be introduced on the draw on Friday, Jan. 31.
CLICK HERE for all the things you should know concerning the 2025 Davis Cup Qualifiers 1st Spherical in Montreal.
Tickets for the Davis Cup Qualifiers 1st Spherical tie between Canada and Hungary are actually on sale. Be a part of us February 1 and a pair of at IGA Stadium in Montreal, because the Canadian group begins their quest for the 2025 Davis Cup Closing 8. To entry tickets at early-bird pricing, click on right here.