Australia's drought in the Davis Cup has continued for another year, falling short against Canada in the 2022 final.
After getting past Croatia and Netherlands in the lead-up to the final, Australia had a tough assignment with two players inside the ATP top 20 on the opposing team and already missing Nick Kyrgios.
Denis Shapovalov defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-2 6-4 in the first singles match, before his teammate Felix Auger-Aliassime sealed the deal with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur.
Despite having won the tournament 28 times - second only behind the United States - Australia haven't found success in the Davis Cup since 2003.
Speaking after the final, Aussie captain Lleyton Hewitt spoke of his disappointment but couldn't hide his pride in the team.
“I’m gutted for the boys," he said.
"They’ve put in the commitment and the work and done absolutely everything right all year.
“They left it all out there once again; we came up slightly short, but I couldn’t be prouder – and all of Australia should be proud.”
De Minaur believes the Aussies have what it takes to go one step further in the coming years and break the lengthy drought.
“Look, I think we were very close today,” he said.
“Just wait until the next time we get the same matchup. Hopefully we can get the win and prove that we can do it.”
For the Canadian duo of Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime, the triumph saw a childhood dream come to fruition.
With the pair both around the same age and growing up together in Canada, and had always hoped of one day leading their country to their maiden Davis Cup title.
“The emotions are tough to describe,” Auger-Aliassime said.
“Denis and I grew up together dreaming of these types of stage, dreaming of winning the Davis Cup.
"It’s a great moment for myself and for the country.”
