In many respects, the rise of Denis Shapovalov can be linked to the Davis Cup tournament. Next month, Shapovalov will highlight a group of four Canadians that will attempt to advance the country into the quarterfinal round.
On Monday, tennis Canada announced that Davis Cup captain Frank Dancevic had selected Vasek Pospisil, Peter Polansky, Daniel Nestor and Shapovalov to participate in Canada's upcoming event against Croatia, which begins Feb. 2 in Osijek. The winning country will advance to the quarterfinal round.
Shapovalov helped the Canadians maintain its footing in the World Group of the Davis Cup in in September when he won both of his singles matches to defeat India in a playoff to keep their place in the World Group.
Now they'll be opposed by Croatia, led by world No. 6 Marin Cilic and world No. 46 Borna Coric. Croatia is the fifth-ranked team in the world, while Canada is 15th.
Canada has been in the World Group since 2012, but nearly lost that spot last year before saving it with the victory against India. It began in February when Canada lost its opening round matchup against England, when Shapovalov was disqualified after slamming a ball out of frustration while playing against Kyle Edmund, and hitting the chair umpire in the face.
Shapovalov's career took off after that, including a semifinal appearance at the Rogers Cup over the summer that included defeating Rafael Nadal, and another impressive run at the U.S. Open that ended in the round of 16. He is currently ranked 50th in the world, and most recently made it to the second round of the Australian Open.
2018 Davis Cup match schedule
Friday, February 2, 8 p.m. ET
Two singles matches
Player 1 from Canada vs. Player 2 from Croatia
Player 2 from Canada vs. Player 1 from Croatia
Saturday, February 3, 8 a.m. ET
One doubles match
Sunday, February 4, 8 a.m. ET
Two singles matches (if necessary)
Player 1 from Canada vs. Player 1 from Croatia
Player 2 from Canada vs. Player 2 from Croatia