Shapovalov ready to star for Canada in Davis Cup tie against Britain
OTTAWA — Calling him a rising tennis star with “nerves of steel,” Canada’s Davis Cup captain says 17-year-old Denis Shapovalov is ready for centre stage.
Shapovalov will be in the spotlight this weekend when Canada takes on Britain in a Davis Cup World Group tie. The teen will kick off the five-match series Friday with a singles match against Daniel Evans.
Shapovalov, ranked 234th in the world, is highly regarded by Tennis Canada. While he will be in tough against 45th-ranked Evans, team captain Martin Laurendeau believes Shapovalov is up to the challenge.
“Denis is ready,” Laurendeau said at Thursday’s draw. “He’s a young player who has nerves of steel; he likes playing in front of a big crowd and wants to show off his talent and his capabilities.”