Denis Shapovalov has given Canada a 1-0 lead over Australia in the Davis Cup final. The Canadian took down Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight set 6-2, 6-4 on Sunday in Malaga, Spain.
Canada jumped out of the blocks when Shapovalov broke Kokkinakis twice to grab an early 4-0 lead.
The Aussie took one break from the Canadian, but Shapovalov powered through, grabbing the opening set 6-2 in only 32 minutes.
Once again, Shapovalov broke Kokkinakis twice in the second set — including a deadly break point bringing the score to 5-2. But the 23-year-old slipped while serving for the match, letting his Australian rival back in the set. Shapovalov gave Kokkinakis the break on a double fault and the Aussie then quickly took the next game cut the deficit to 5-4.
Serving for the match a second time, Shapovalov iced the win to give Canada the 1-0 advantage in the final.
In the second match, Félix Auger-Aliassime will take on world no. 24 Alex De Minaur. If necessary, a decisive doubles match will see Auger-Aliassime and Vasek Pospisil take on Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell.
