Doubles win gives Canada Davis Cup victory over Dominican Republic

Canada to remain in Americas Zone Group I in 2011

The Miele Canadian Davis Cup team clinched the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Americas Zone Group I second round playoff tie with a convincing 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Dominican Republic in doubles action on Saturday.

The tandem of Daniel Nestor (Toronto) and Frank Dancevic (Niagara Falls) needed just one hour and 22 minutes to dispose of Victor Estrella and Jhonson Garcia on the Grandstand Court at Rexall Centre in Toronto. With the win, Canada swept its opponents 3-0 and will remain in Americas Zone Group I for the 2011 season while the Dominican Republic will be relegated to Group II.

“It’s enjoyable for sure,” said Nestor. “We have an opportunity to get to the World Group next year. It was great to play in my hometown where I grew up. I have a lot of great memories. I think our team looks good for next year.”

While many of the Tour stars skipped Davis Cup this weekend, Nestor remained dedicated to his country, despite the fact that the tie was a zonal relegation. When asked if he plans to keep playing for Canada, after completing his 18th year on the Davis Cup team, Nestor was quick to confirm.

“Yeah, I’m still playing a full schedule. I plan on playing Davis Cup next year. I always play well when I play more and I always look forward to Davis Cup.”

The Dominican Republic won only nine points off Nestor’s serve in the match.

With Dancevic working his way back from back surgery and Thornhill, Ontario men Peter Polansky and Milos Raonic showing signs of stardom, Canada could see some positive results in the coming years, and with the luck of the draw, could find itself in search of World Group classification.

“We’ll see what happens with the draw next year. If we can line up a few more ties at home, that would definitely help,” said Canadian team captain Martin Laurendeau. “To have the depth on the team and also a little break on the draw to control the situation with the court and the home crowd. We have a chance.”

The two teams will complete the tie with two singles matches on Sunday. Action gets underway at 11:00 a.m. Fans interested in tickets can contact 1-877-2TENNIS (283-6647) ext. 4575. Tickets start as low as $10. Viewers can also tune in to the live Web cast on lovemeansnothing.ca.

Schedule/Results
(All times Eastern)

Sunday, September 19, 2010
11 a.m., Reverse Singles

Saturday, September 18, 2010
Nestor / Dancevic (CAN) def. Estrella / Garcia (DOM) 6-3, 6-4, 6-3

Friday, September 17, 2010
Raonic (CAN) def. Estrella (DOM) 5-7, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(3), 9-7
Polansky (CAN) def. Garcia (DOM) 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3

View Photo Gallery courtesy of  Kanishka Sonnadara