Davis Cup 2019: Shapovalov edges Berrettini epic as Canada join Belgium and Russia in winning opener

Updated 18/11/2019 at 23:09 GMT

The new-look Davis Cup finals kicked off with victories for Canada, Belgium and Russia in Madrid. Here’s a look at Monday’s results…

Denis Shapovalov - Davis Cup

Image credit: Getty Images

Shapovalov edges Berrettini as Canada beat Italy

Group F kicked off with an upset as world No 150 Vasek Pospisil got the better of Fabio Fognini, winning 7-6(5) 7-5.

A fascinating tie then saw 20-year-old Denis Shapovalov take on Matteo Berrettini, who was coming off the back of his ATP Finals debut.

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There were ultimately 10 break points saved between the duo, with each set heading to a tie-break.

And having taken the opening breaker before Berrettini battled back, Shapovalov won the decider 7-5 to hand Canada a 2-0 lead.

Shapovalov and Pospisil looked to complete the whitewash in the doubles, but Fognini and Berrettini bravely fought to a 6-2 3-6 6-3 win.

In what is arguably the toughest group to call, USA will look to get on the board when facing Canada on Tuesday.

Russia blitz Croatia

Defending champions Croatia fell to a 3-0 defeat to Russia on the opening day in Madrid.

Andrey Rublev beat Borna Gojo 6-3 6-3 before Karen Khachanov triumphed in a tight encounter against Borna Coric, winning 6-7(4) 6-4 6-4.

After winning their singles encounters, Rublev and Khachanov then beat Ivan Dodig and Nikola Mektic to hand Russia a handsome 3-0 victory over Croatia.

Hosts Spain open up their campaign in Group B against Russia on Tuesday.

Belgium beat Colombia 2-1

Steve Darcis won the first set at the revamped Davis Cup and went on to complete a routine 6-3 6-2 victory over Santiago Giraldo.

David Goffin was heading for a shock defeat before fighting from a set down to beat world No 194 Daniel Galan 3-6 6-3 6-3.

Juan-Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah battled from a set down to beat Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen 6-7(5) 6-4 7-6(3) and ensure Colombia avoided the whitewash.

Australia take on Colombia in the second Group D encounter on Tuesday.

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