Great Britain’s Davis Cup Finals hopes are over after Dan Evans fell to a heavy defeat by Denis Shapovalov in their first match against Canada.
Leon Smith’s team needed to beat Canada 3-0 in Manchester to progress to November’s knockout stages in Malaga.
But their fate was sealed early on Sunday, with Evans’ 6-0 7-5 loss meaning Britain will finish outside of the top two in Group D.
Canada, the 2022 champions, advance along with Argentina, who booked their place in the ‘Final Eight’ with a 3-0 win over Finland on Saturday.
British number one Jack Draper will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second singles match, while Evans is expected to return alongside Neal Skupski in the doubles to complete the tie.
Playing in front of a 15,000-strong crowd at Mancester Arena, Shapovalov swept through the first set in 25 minutes, with Evans winning just nine points.
The Briton, 34, finally got on the scoreboard when he held early in the second set, but he failed to make the most of two break points at 4-4.
Shapovalov was able to back up a dominant first set when he struck the decisive blow at 6-5 to take his nation to the knockout stages, which will take place between 19-24 November.
The 25-year-old Canadian, who was ranked as high as 10 in the world after a run to the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2021, has struggled with a knee injury over the past year.
“Sometimes 6-0 is the worst lead in tennis. You can’t improve from that first set,” Shapovalov said after wrapping up victory in one hour and 22 minutes.
“I’m extremely happy with the way I was able to serve. I played really well and just happy I was able to capitalise on my chances today.”
