Monday Digest: Team Canada Wrapping up 2024 in Malaga

The World Cup of Tennis is already underway in Malaga, Spain, but only one Canadian team is still in the competition.

Canada’s Davis Cup team has their eye on a second title this week, but the Billie Jean King Cup squad has already seen their repeat bid come to an end.

Here’s what you need to know.

What to Watch: Canada’s Men Return to Malaga

Team Canada will be looking to lift the silver salad bowl for the second time in three years at week’s end in Malaga as they compete in the Davis Cup Final 8.

Denis Shapovalov, Gabriel Diallo, Alexis Galarneau, Milos Raonic, and Vasek Pospisil are donning the red and white. CLICK HERE to learn more about Team Canada.

Their bid begins on Wednesday against Germany. If they win, they could meet Rafael Nadal, competing in his final professional event, and the loaded Spanish team that also includes Carlos Alcaraz. CLICK HERE to learn more about Canada’s opposition at the Davis Cup Final 8. 

Read also: Revisiting Rafael Nadal’s Five Titles at the National Bank Open

CLICK HERE for everything you need to know about the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8.

In Case You Missed It: Early Exit for the Canadian Women

Just like their male counterparts a year ago, Canada’s Billie Jean King Cup title defence came to an end in the quarter-finals in Malaga.

Canada was beaten 2-0 by Great Britain in the last eight on Sunday. Rebecca Marino and Leylah Annie Fernandez both lost their singles matches to Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter respectively in straight sets.

Read also: Magic Runs Out in Malaga for Team Canada

While she did not get a chance to play, Gabriela Dabrowski was honoured ahead of the tie with the Billie Jean King Cup Commitment Award to mark her 20th participation in the event.

Under the Radar: Domestic Season Winding Down

The Challenger Banque Nationale de Drummondville was the final ATP challenger event in Canada on the 2024 calendar, bringing an end to the ATP, WTA and ITF World Tour seasons in the Great White North.

Canada’s Liam Draxl and Cleeve Harper reached the doubles final, losing in straight sets to second seeds Robert Cash and JJ Tracy. Aidan Mayo of the United States won the singles title. 

Rob Shaw competed at the wheelchair year-end championships, the NEC Wheelchair Masters, last week, being eliminated in the Group Stage.

Canada’s future was on display in Antalya, Turkey as the U16 girls were competing in the Billie Jean King Cup Juniors Finals. After going 0-3 in the Group Stage, the Canadian team of Nadia Lagaev, Charlize Celebrini, and Anna Tabunshchyk finished 13th in the placement playoffs.

You can follow the Canadians in action every week here.