Shapovalov pulls out of David Cup qualifier in Montreal

Denis Shapovalov has withdrawn from his first-round qualifier match for the Davis Cup because of a back injury, Tennis Canada announced Monday.

The Richmond Hill, Ont., native was scheduled to help Canada go up against Hungary but will now be replaced by Alberta’s Cleeve Harper this weekend in Montreal.

“I’m really disappointed to withdraw from the Davis Cup tie this weekend,” said Shapovalov. “I love playing at home and it’s always an honor to play for Team Canada, but I’m still struggling with some back pain after my last match at the Australian Open. I’m going to continue rehabbing in hopes to be ready for my next tournament in Dallas. Good luck to the team this weekend — I’ll definitely be watching and cheering them on!”

Shapovalov last played at the Australian Open, where he lost in the second round to No. 16 seed Lorenzo Musetti.

Harper is currently ranked No. 154 in doubles on the ATP Tour and earned his first nomination for Team Canada. The 24-year-old has primarily competed on the ATP Challenger circuit, notably winning the doubles title at the Oeiras Open 3 alongside fellow Canadian Liam Draxl. 

He will join Gabriel Diallo, Alexis Galarneau, Liam Draxl and Vasek Pospisil on the Davis Cup roster.

“We’re obviously disappointed that Denis can’t join us this week,” said Canadian team captain Frank Dancevic. “He’s an exceptionally talented player who has always taken great pride in representing Canada, as shown by his many appearances over the years. That said, we still have a strong squad that can compete with anyone. We believe in our players and are thrilled to welcome Cleeve [Harper], who adds depth to our team.”

The winner of the Feb. 1-2 tie at IGA Stadium will advance to the second round of qualifiers in September. The losing team will be relegated to the World Group 1 level.

Canada is third in the Davis Cup rankings behind Italy and Australia. Hungary, ranked No. 22, qualified for the first-round tie by defeating Egypt in World Group 1 play.

Montreal also served as a first-round host last February when Canada defeated South Korea 3-1. Canada has won nine of its last 10 home ties.

Two singles matches will be played on the 2,000-seat venue’s indoor hardcourt on Saturday. A doubles match and two singles matches are scheduled for Sunday.

The winners of the second-round qualifiers will join host Italy in the 2025 Final 8 in November. Italy won its second straight Davis Cup title last fall with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands.