GB aims for 3-0 win over Canada in Davis Cup showdown

Leon Smith is counting on a record crowd of 15,000 at the AO Arena in Manchester to help Great Britain secure a crucial 3-0 victory over Canada in their Davis Cup clash. Following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Argentina, Britain faces a challenging path to the quarter-finals, needing to win all three matches against Canada to advance. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with the crowd potentially inspiring the players to achieve an extraordinary feat. The British team has some promising matchups, with Dan Evans holding a 2-2 record against Denis Shapovalov and Jack Draper having previously defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime. Draper, currently ranked 20th, is coming off a semi-final appearance at the US Open, although he faced a setback against Francisco Cerundolo in his last match. Despite the challenges, Draper is optimistic about his performance and the team's chances. Smith acknowledges the difficulties posed by the demanding tennis calendar, especially for players who have recently competed at high levels. He emphasizes the importance of the upcoming matches and the potential for the team to turn their fortunes around. The absence of key players like Andy Murray and Cameron Norrie adds pressure on the younger players to step up. As the competition heats up, the stakes are high for Great Britain. A win against Canada is essential not only for progression in the tournament but also for boosting team morale and confidence moving forward in the Davis Cup.