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Two years in the past, Vasek Pospsil defeated Seongchan Hong in singles and the pair of JiSung Nam and Minkyu Track in doubles to steer Crew Canada offered by Sobeys previous the Republic of Korea within the Davis Cup Finals group stage.
This weekend, he shall be in search of an analogous consequence to get his group by means of the qualifiers.
The draw for Canada’s Davis Cup Qualifier tie with the Republic of Korea was introduced on Thursday forward of the two-day conflict in Montreal. Pospisil will play the function of Canadian singles No. 2 and can group up with Alexis Galarneau within the doubles.
“I really feel nice, it’s the primary time in a very long time that my physique is pain-free. Mentally, I’m doing nicely as a result of when there is no such thing as a ache, it adjustments all the pieces mentally,” mentioned the Vernon, BC-native on the draw ceremony. “I’m prepared to present all the pieces on courtroom as I at all times do and to attempt to win.”
On day one, Pospisil may have a rematch of the 2022 epic with Hong, now the Korean No. 1, which the Canadian gained in a third-set tiebreak. Then on Saturday, he and Galarneau are anticipated to face off with Nam and Track within the doubles match.
Learn additionally: Meet Team Canada for the 2024 Davis Cup Qualifying Tie
Gabriel Diallo would be the Canadian No. 1 singles participant within the tie. He’ll open proceedings in opposition to Soonwoo Kwon on Friday and is slated to face Hong within the battle of No.1s on Saturday. If the tie goes to a fifth rubber, Pospisil will conflict with Kwon.
When requested if he felt extra strain when taking part in for his nation, the veteran of 32 earlier Davis Cup ties mentioned, “The strain at all times feels fairly excessive if you’re taking part in on your nation. If something, taking part in at dwelling offers extra power versus making it tougher as a result of there may be extra strain. I don’t assume that’s what it does.
Learn additionally: Meet the Korean Team Competing in Montreal
“In a whole lot of methods, I like that rather more than taking part in a few of the particular person occasions the place, particularly perhaps at my age, it’s a little bit tougher to get totally motivated. It’s one of many the reason why I at all times play nicely at Davis Cup as a result of I get very motivated. I’m very centered.”
The final assembly between these two nations got here right down to a deciding doubles match, gained by Pospisil and Félix Auger-Aliassime. Three of the 4 gamers who performed in that match are scheduled to do battle once more this weekend.
“We now have a whole lot of regrets in regards to the matches that occurred in 2022,” mentioned Korean captain Younger-Jun Kim. “There was a match we predict we might have gained. We all know these gamers and we predict that we might win this yr.”
Learn additionally: Dancevic – It’s Amazing to be Home for Davis Cup
This time round, with a best-of-five tie versus the best-of-three they performed in 2022, the doubles won’t be a winner-take-all match. However touchdown third within the schedule nonetheless means it should play an essential function within the end result.
Pospisil and Galarneau have partnered 5 instances in Davis Cup competitors and boast a 3-1 report in accomplished matches, all in 2023 (with one loss by way of retirement in 2022).
Diallo Stepping Up at Dwelling
Diallo is reprising his function as Canadian No. 1. He performed within the high slot in all 4 of Crew Canada’s ties within the 2023 Davis Cup.
However this event shall be completely different. Not solely is it Diallo’s first time representing his nation on dwelling soil, however it is available in his hometown.
“It means the world to me, particularly in my hometown. It’s my neighbourhood,” mentioned Diallo. “It’s for these moments that we work actually arduous and to have the privilege to be referred to as up right here to characterize my nation and town, it means the world to me.”
Learn additionally: ATP and WTA Unveil New Match Scheduling Rules and Strategic Ball Review for 2024
Of the 4 anticipated singles matches, three shall be first-time conferences. Solely Pospisil and Hong have performed earlier than, that being their 2022 Davis Cup thriller gained by the Canadian.
MATCH SCHEDULE
Friday, February 2, 2024
- Gabriel Diallo vs. Soonwoo Kwon– 4:00 p.m. ET
- Adopted by Vasek Pospisil vs. Seongchang Hong
Saturday, February 3, 2024
- Vasek Pospisil / Alexis Galarneau vs. Jisung Nam / Minkyu Track – 2:00 p.m. ET
- Adopted by Gabriel Diallo vs. Seongchang Hong
- Adopted by Vasek Pospisil vs. Soonwoo Kwon*
*If the tie is determined following the doubles rubber, the final singles rubber is probably not contested.
The matches will be broadcast in French on TVA Sports activities 2 and live-streamed in English on CBC Gem, cbcsports.ca and the CBC Sports activities app.
Tickets are nonetheless obtainable for the tie. Get yours now!
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