Saturday's semifinal matchup with Russia marks Canada's third trip to the semifinals since the Davis Cup started in 1900. However, the Canadians have never advanced beyond the semis.
This year could be different.
Powered by Vasek Pospisil — who stepped up after No. 21 Felix Auger-Aliassime was pulled last minute due to injury — and Denis Shapovalov, Canada defeated Italy and the United States in the group stage and downed Australia in the quarterfinals. Pospisil, ranked 150th in the world, defeated Fabio Fognini, Reilly Opelka and John Millman — all in two sets each. Shapovalov, now 15th in the world, won against Matteo Berrettini and Taylor Fritz but lost to Australia's Alex de Minaur; the loss set up a must-win doubles match against the Aussies. The team of Pospisil and Shapovalov beat John Peers and Jordan Thompson, 6-4, 6-4.
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Canada will now face Russia, led by the 17th-ranked Karen Khachanov and the 23rd-ranked Andrey Rublev, on Saturday at 4:30 a.m. ET. While neither team has announced their lineup, it is expected Pospisil and Shapovalov will continue the march to Canada's first Davis Cup title as will Khachanov and Rublev for Russia.
Here's a look at how the Canadians — including Auger-Aliassime, if he is selected — have fared against the Russians in previous tournaments.
Vasek Pospisil
vs. Karen Khachanov
Win at 2019 U.S. Open: 4-6, 7-5, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3
vs. Andrey Rublev
Win at 2018 Miami Open: 7-6(5), 6-4
Denis Shapovalov
vs. Karen Khachanov
This would be the first match-up between the two.
vs. Andrey Rublev
Win at 2019 Winston-Salem: 6-3, 7-6(4)
Win at 2019 Miami Open: 6-3, 7-6(5)
Loss at 2017 Next Gen ATP Finals
Felix Auger-Aliassime
vs. Karen Khachanov
Loss at 2019 Rogers Cup: 7-6(7), 5-7, 3-6
vs. Andrey Rublev
Withdrew at 2019 Vienna Open due to ankle injury
Loss at 2018 Croatia Open: 4-6, 7-6(4), 3-6