Canada and Italy are tied 1-1 after the singles matches of their Davis Cup semifinal on Saturday in Malaga, Spain.
Montreal’s Félix Auger-Aliassime, the world No. 6, defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, the 23rd-ranked singles player in the world, 6-3, 6-4, securing the victory in just under 90 minutes.
Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont., fell 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 6-4 to Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, ranked 45th in the world, fell in the earlier match, giving the Italians the first point of the semifinal.
Auger-Aliassime’s win means the tie will require a doubles match to decide it. That will see Shapovalov, on short rest, pair up with Vasek Pospisil to play Fabio Fognini and Simone Bolelli.
The winner between Italy and Canada will face Australia, who defeated Croatia in the other semifinal. The final is set for Sunday.
