Canada to face Israel in Davis Cup qualifying without spectators

Gabriel Diallo (Facebook)

Davis Cup qualifying for next year is taking place this weekend throughout the world. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada is facing Israel, in what has turned out to be a controversial matchup based on what is happening across the globe. There have been many that have not wanted this match to take place because of political reasons. Among the critics have been Canadian Olympic silver medalist Mohammed Ahmed, who placed second in the men’s 5000 metres at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. The tie will go on as scheduled. However, the decision has been made that there will be no spectators.

The Canadian team will be led by Gabriel Diallo of Montreal, Quebec, who is ranked 35th in the world. Diallo won the Libema Open in the spring for his first ATP title. In the final, he defeated Zizou Bergs of Belgium, 7-5, 7-6. United States Open semifinalist Felix Auger-Aliassime of Montreal will not be competing due to fatigue. Neither will Denis Shapovalov of Toronto (who ironically is born in Israel) due to a family obligation.

The second round of Davis Cup qualifying for 2025 will also take place this weekend. The Netherlands is facing Argentina, Australia is facing Belgium, Austria is facing Hungary, Germany is facing Japan, the United States is facing the Czech Republic, Spain is facing Denmark, and Croatia is facing France. Italy gets an automatic bye as they are the host and defending champion. Australia’s matchup this weekend against Belgium will take place at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney. Australia will be represented by Alex De Minaur and Alexei Popyrin in singles, along with Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson in doubles.