Hosts Australia defeat Canada in ATP Cup
Shapovalov could only take 2 out of 16 break points on offer
BRISBANE (Reuters) - Alex de Minaur produced a heroic fight back against Canada in front of a home crowd in Brisbane to ensure victory for Australia over Canada in the ATP Cup on Sunday (January 5).
In a match between two 20 year-olds, de Minaur dropped the first set to Canada’s Denis Shapovalov by losing a tie-break.
The Canadian was leading the second 4-2 and looked on course for victory, but de Minaur broke back in front of passionate home supporters and took control of the match. He eventually won 6-7, 6-4, 6-2.
Whilst Shapovalov secured 44 winners to de Minaur’s 31, the Canadian also hit 53 unforced errors. Shapovalov could also only take 2 out of 16 break points on offer.
De Minaur’s win secured overall victory for Australia against Canada after John Millman had earlier beaten Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-2. Millman filled in for Nick Kyrgios, who was forced to pull out of the match with back pain.
