Canada and Brazil each claimed one singles victory on Friday in the Davis Cup Qualifiers first round at UBC's Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Centre, leaving the tie level at 1-1 heading into Saturday's deciding matches, according to Tennis Canada.
How Draxl gave Canada the opening edge
Liam Draxl defeated Brazil's world No. 207 Joao Lucas Reis da Silva 6-3, 6-3 in the opening singles match. The 24-year-old from Newmarket, ranked No. 146, controlled the match by extending rallies and forcing his opponent into unforced errors; Reis da Silva finished with 38 compared to Draxl's 17. Draxl saved four of five break points and converted his first break opportunity at 4-2 to establish control.
Why Diallo's loss levelled the tie
Gabriel Diallo, Canada's No. 1 player in the tie, fell to Gustavo Heide in three sets. The loss meant Brazil pulled level after Draxl's opening victory, setting up Saturday's decisive matches.
What happens next
Whichever nation wins two of the three remaining matches on Saturday will advance to the Qualifiers Second Round in September. The winner of the tie will progress further in the Davis Cup pathway toward the Finals Cup.
Sources
- Tennis Canada: Canada Level with Brazil at Davis Cup After Splitting Singles on Friday. Tennis Canada, date unknown.