Canada has secured a spot in the Davis Cup Final 8 in November, with Felix Auger-Aliassime playing a key role in the team’s victory. Ranked No. 5 in the world, Auger-Aliassime came back to defeat Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 at the Videotron Centre, helping Canada triumph 3-1 over France in the second-round qualifier.
The win came shortly after Auger-Aliassime’s doubles loss alongside Duncan Chan, making it his third match in two days after defeating Quentin Halys the previous day. Canada’s captain, Frank Dancevic, praised Auger-Aliassime’s exceptional performance, highlighting his ability to excel in both singles and doubles matches.
Auger-Aliassime’s remarkable display on the court did not go unnoticed by the opposition, with French captain Paul-Henri Mathieu acknowledging the Canadian player’s skill and dedication. Auger-Aliassime showcased his prowess by serving 17 aces and committing only one double fault during his victory over Rinderknech, extending his winning streak in Davis Cup singles matches to 10.
Despite a challenging start where Rinderknech took the opening set by breaking Auger-Aliassime, the Canadian fought back to claim victory, securing Canada’s spot in the Final 8. The Quebec crowd, totaling 22,340 fans over the two days, set a new Canadian Davis Cup attendance record, creating a supportive atmosphere for the players.
Auger-Aliassime, who has strong ties to the region due to his father’s tennis academy nearby, expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized the significance of inspiring future tennis players through events like the Davis Cup. The weekend’s success not only marked a return to the Final 8 for Canada but also symbolized a thriving period for tennis in the country, as fans rallied behind their national team throughout the competition.
