Bologna (Italy) – Current Davis Cup champions, Canada began its quest for a second title with a victory against hosts Italy in the first round of Group A, played in Bologna. Even without their two main players in the game, the Canadiens won 3-0.

The series began with Alexis Galarneau, 200th in the world, beating Lorenzo Sonego, 38th in the ranking, by 7/6 (10-8) and 6/4. Shortly after, it was the turn of Gabriel Diallo, 21 years old, only 158th, to surprise world number 18 Lorenzo Musetti by 7/5 and 6/4. In doubles, Alexis Galarneau and Vasek Pospisil beat Simone Bolelli and Matteo Arnaldi 6/7 (4-7), 6/4 and 7/6 (7-3). The Canadians return to action this Thursday, against Sweden.

a great first #DavisCup victory for Gabriel Diallo 🇨🇦💯

Canada demands equality 👏#DavisCup | @TennisCanada pic.twitter.com/QaUgOLqWOB

– Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 13, 2023

In Group B, played in Manchester, the British team beat Australia 2 to 1. Left-hander Jack Draper won a tough match against Thanasi Kokkinakis 6/7 (6-8), 6/3 and 7/6 (7-4). . Shortly after, it was Daniel Evans’ turn to beat Alex de Minaur by 6/1, 2/6 and 6/4.

The Australians managed just one doubles win, with Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell beating Daniel Evans and Neal Skupski 7/6 (7-5) 6/4. On Thursday, Australia faces France.

WHAT A TIME 🔥

Simply breathtaking fight @jackdraper0 to achieve victory over his @CoupeDavis beginning#BackTheBrits 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/8HhSp1kamB

– LTA (@the_LTA) September 13, 2023

Spain, the Group C hosts in Valencia, lost 3-0 to the Czech Republic. In singles, Tomas Machac beat Bernabe Zapata by doubles 6/4, while Jiri Lehecka beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7/6 (7-5) and 7/5. In doubles, Jakub Mensik and Adam Pavlasek beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Marcel Granollers 5/7, 7/6 (8-6) and 6/4. The Czechs face South Korea this Thursday.

Croatia also lost at home, beaten 2-1 by the United States in Split. Mackenzie McDonald scored the first point for the North American team, beating Dino Prizmic 6/4 and 6/2. Subsequently, Borna Gojo equalized the match by beating Frances Tiafoe by 6/4 and 7/6 (8-6). The decision was made for the doubles, with Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram beating Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic by 7/6 (7-5), 6/7 (3-7) and 6/2. The North American team will face the Netherlands in Thursday’s round.