Denis Shapovalov, Milos Raonic, Félix Auger-Aliassime and Others Missing From Canada’s Davis Cup Camp

The COVID 19 pandemic and the various rules and regulations followed by all the countries have made it almost impossible to conduct the Davis Cup matches on a proper schedule. But, finally, the 2022 edition is underway, and Canada takes on the Netherlands in their qualifier match.

The match will be held on March 4 and 5 in the clay courts of Sportcampus Zuiderpark, at Hague.

Brayden Schnur, Steven Diez, Peter Polansky were a part of the team last year too. Currently, they are joined by newcomer Alexis Galarneau. On the other hand, the Dutch team is a strong one this time around, with Botic van de Zandschulp, Tallon Griekspoor, Robin Haase, Wesley Koolhof and Matwe Middelkoop. Zandschulp is a US Open quarterfinalist and Griekspoor is ranked 57th in the world.

Canada’s top players missing in action

While Canada boasts of several top 20 players in the ATP circuit. However, their team this year noticeably lacks a powerful presence. Top-ranked Canadian players Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime will not be a part of the Canadian camp this year. Moreover, other former top players and veterans on the tour, Milos Raonic and Vasek Pospisil will also be absent. Shapovalov and Aliassime also withdrew from the finals of the last edition of the Davis Cup last year.

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“It’s only been a few weeks since we played in the Davis Cup Finals last November, but we’re very happy to be representing Canada again, versus the Netherlands,” said Frank Dancevic, said from the Canadian team. “The Dutch are a very tough team to beat and it won’t be easy, but we believe in Brayden, Steve, Peter and Alexis, and we know they’ll fight hard to give Canada the win.”
(Translated Using Google Translate)

This marks Alexis Galarneau’s Davis Cup debut and is a milestone tournament for the World No. 332, who is friends with Felix Auger-Aliassime.

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This is not the first time that the two countries are meeting each other at the Davis Cup. While Canada leads their head-to-head 3-2, the Netherlands has a stronger team this time around. Their last meeting was in 2018, and Haase and Middelkoop are the only members who are common in both teams.