Diallo and Draxl to Open for Team Canada at Davis Cup World Group 1 Tie in Halifax
[HALIFAX, NS] September 11, 2025 – The official draw for the Davis Cup World Group I tie between
Team Canada and Israel took place today to determine the matchups for this weekend’s action. The
teams will contest the tie on the indoor hard courts at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Gabriel Diallo (Montreal, QC) and Liam Draxl (Newmarket, ON) were chosen by team captain Frank
Dancevic to play singles. The Israel captain Jonathan Erlich selected Orel Kimhi and Daniel Cukierman.
On Friday, Diallo (No. 35) will face Cukierman (No. 1179) while Draxl (No. 117) will take on Kimhi (No.
787).
“First of all, Davis Cup is always a special event for us, and we’re excited to be here back in Halifax after
so many years,” said Dancevic. “The guys are looking really good in their practices this week, and we
can’t wait to get the matches underway on Friday afternoon.”
“It’s always an honour to represent Canada at the Davis Cup, and for me, this is my first time playing here
in Halifax,” said Diallo. “Their team has a lot of college experience; these are guys who either played in
college or are still in college, so they understand the team dynamic and will bring a lot of energy. We’re
going to have to make sure we match it and, at the end of the day, compete as hard as we can.”
In doubles, Draxl will be called upon to team up with Cleeve Harper (Calgary, AB) to face the duo of Ofek
Shimanov and Jordan Hasson. This will be Harper’s first Davis Cup match, making him the 90th player to
take to the court for Canada at the competition.
This weekend, the winning team will book their ticket into the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers 1st Round.
MATCH SCHEDULE
Friday, September 12, 2025
Gabriel Diallo vs. Daniel Cukierman at 4:00 p.m. ADT
Followed by Liam Draxl vs. Orel Kimhi
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Liam Draxl / Cleeve Harper vs. Ofek Shimanov / Jordan Hasson at 1 p.m. ADT
Followed by Gabriel Diallo vs. Orel Kimhi
Followed by Liam Draxl vs. Daniel Cukierman*
*If the tie is decided following the doubles rubber, the last singles rubber may not be contested.
The tie will operate in a closed venue, broadcast-only format, without fans in attendance. The matches
will be shown on TVA Sports and via CBC Sports’ livestream on CBC Gem, cbcsports.ca, and the CBC
Sports YouTube channel.
