Sep 15, 2024, 09:43 AM ET
Great Britain have been eliminated from the Davis Cup after Dan Evans was defeated 6-0, 7-5 by Denis Shapovalov in the first match of their final group-stage contest against Canada.
Britain needed to win all three of Sunday’s games in order to progress to the knockout stage in November but Evans succumbed in straight sets to world No. 100 Shapovalov.
Dan Evans was unable to keep Great Britain’s Davis Cup hopes alive. Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images
The first set was almost a formality as the Canadian didn’t drop a game, before Evans settled in the second, forcing his opponent to save several break points.
However, the set remained on serve until its final game, where an under-hit Evans backhand hit the net to end Great Britain’s hopes for another year.
Jack Draper took on Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second match of the contest, The last time Draper and Auger-Aliassime faced off ended in controversy in the round of 16 at the Cincinnati Open, as the Brit won the match despite the ball appearing to touch the floor before going over the net on match point.
This time around, however, Auger-Aliassime emerged on top after two tightly contested sets, the final score reading 7-6 (10-8), 7-5.
The last match of the day sees debutant Henry Patten partner with Neal Skupski against Gabriel Diallo and Alexis Galarneau.
“I’ve thought about it long and hard. I’ll have to think a little more,” Evans told BBC Sport about the prospect of this being his final Davis Cup.
“I love competing for my country. I’ve loved every minute of it but sometimes you’ve got to know when to leave.
“It will be a difficult decision but sometimes it’s nice to give somebody else the opportunity and watch from afar.”
Canada have now advanced to the next stage along with Argentina from Britain’s group. Leon Smith’s team’s only win came against Finland.
