Felix Auger-victory Aliassime’s in singles on Saturday helped Canada secure a spot in the Davis Cup quarterfinals, while Croatia increased their hopes of making it to the last eight with a 3-0 sweep of Argentina.
Following up on his victory over the newly crowned world number one Carlos Alcaraz, Auger-Aliassime defeated Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-4, while Serbia won the match 2-1 in Valencia to maintain their own chances.
Prior to Auger-victory, Aliassime’s Serbia’s Laslo Djere defeated Gabriel Diallo 6-2, 6-2 in the opening singles match, ensuring Canada a top-two finish in Group B.
“I feel this whole event my level has been really good,” said Auger-Aliassime, the world number 13.
“I’m really happy where my game is at. To come out and play this way, get the win, it’s very good for me personally. I’m just really happy for the team.”
“I’m really happy that I came and played with the level I did to get Canada through the quarters,” he added.
Vasek Pospisil and Alexis Galarneau were trailing Kecmanovic and Filip Krajinovic 2-1 in the doubles’ opening set when Pospisil suffered a knee injury and had to quit.
To beat the hosts to a knockout position in Malaga in November, Serbia needs South Korea to defeat Spain on Sunday.
The Koreans have lost their opening two matches, while the Spaniards whitewashed Serbia before falling to Canada 2-1.
Croatia, who finished second last year, thrashed Argentina to increase their chances of moving on from Group A, where they have won two of their three matches.
Borna Gojo edged Sebastian Baez in three sets before Cincinnati Masters champion Borna Coric got the better of Francisco Cerundolo, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) in Bologna.
Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic eased past Maximo Gonzalez and Horacio Zeballos in the doubles.
Croatia are now waiting on Sunday’s result between Italy and Sweden to see if they advance. Italy are 2-0 and Sweden are 1-1.
The Netherlands wrapped up first place in Group D with a third straight win after defeating the United States 2-1 in Glasgow.
Botic van de Zandschulp won his third singles match of the week, his 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) victory over Taylor Fritz securing the tie for the Dutch after Tallon Griekspoor saw off Tommy Paul 7-5, 7-6 (7/3).
“We’ve had an amazing week together,” said Van de Zandschulp. “Not everyone expected we would be number one, but we played some great tennis.”
Rajeev Ram and Jack Sock claimed the doubles in three tight sets against Wesley Koolhof and Matwe Middelkoop.
France defeated Belgium 2-1 to bow out of the competition with a consolation victory.
Richard Gasquet downed 268th-ranked Michael Geerts 6-3, 6-3, but Belgium pulled level as David Goffin beat Benjamin Bonzi in three sets.
Nicolas Mahut and Arthur Rinderknech defeated Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen in straight sets to win the tie, consigning the Belgians to a third straight loss.
Germany host Australia on Sunday in Hamburg to determine the winner of Group C.
