Canada completes 5-0 sweep over the Dominican Republic in Davis Cup

Canada to find out first round opponent for 2011 on Wednesday, September 22

The Miele Canadian Davis Cup team completed their defeat of the Dominican Republic 5-0 after winning the last two singles matches Sunday at the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Americas Zone Group I second round play-off tie. Peter Polansky (Thornhill, Ontario) and Frank Dancevic (Niagara Falls, Ontario) defeated Dominican Republic players Victor Estrella and Luis Delgado respectively in front of a home crowd at Rexall Centre in Toronto.

Polansky showed no mercy against Estrella as he took down the veteran player in a straight-sets match that lasted 52 minutes at 6-1, 6-2. Polansky felt more comfortable on court today as Estrella plays a game more suited to his style and gave him several chances to attack the net. This was the first tie that Polansky played as the top-ranked Canadian in singles and he took his role as No. 1 player seriously, winning both of his matches and ensuring that Canada would keep their spot in Americas Zone Group I.

“I wanted to play the dead rubber and I feel good right now about the way I played,” said Polansky. “I wanted to compete today and get in a good performance and I did. I now head to Asia for a challenger event and a few ATP events after that, so I will be there for about five weeks.”

Dancevic overpowered the 19-year-old Delgado, who is the youngest player on the Dominican Republic’s team. Dancevic topped Delgado 6-0, 6-1 with the first set lasting only 16 minutes and a total match time of 38 minutes. Dancevic is heading right back into action as he is competing in the $15K Tevlin Futures event that is also being held at Rexall Centre. He is looking to get as much match play in as possible as he continues his recovery from an extended injury layoff.

“It was great to play in Davis Cup for the first time in a little while,” said Dancevic. “I started playing good from the beginning and got on a roll and just took care of business. The whole match I was challenging myself to lose the least number of points possible. I play for myself and I know I can get up there in the Top 50 when I am healthy.”

Team captain Martin Laurendeau was pleased with all the Canadian players this weekend as each of them put forth a great performance on court and did their part to secure the win.

“What I liked about this weekend was that everyone pitched in,” said Laurendeau. “Everyone played their part to get their point and now going into next year I know I will have great options for this team.”

In 2011, Canada will compete in Americas Zone Group I for the chance to advance to the World Group in 2012. Canada will find out who their first round opponents are when the draw is held on Wednesday, September 22 from Brussels at 6:30 a.m. (ET). The first-round match-ups for 2011 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas will be played from March 4-6.