Davis Cup Returning To Vancouver

It took nearly 20 years, but professional Tennis is returning to Canada in February of this year.

The event will be the Davis Cup when France is the visitors for the World Group first round taking place at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre February 10-12.

Canada gained promotion back to Davis Cup’s top level with a 3-2 (away) win over Israel in September and now they will play host to France.

In 1992 Canada played to two ties in Vancouver against Sweden and Austria, but has yet to return to the city since.

Team Captain Martin Laurendeau is excited about bringing Davis Cup back to a place that holds so many fond memories for the Canadian team.

This will be the first time that Davis Cup is being played at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, home of the UBC Thunderbirds ice hockey team.

The indoor arena has 5,033 permanent seats and a further 1,800 temporary seats, although the capacity for this Davis Cup tie is still to be confirmed.

Opened in 2008, the multi-purpose venue has held a range of events, from sport and concerts to gala dinners and tradeshows.

During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, it was used for ice hockey and sledge hockey matches.

Laurendeau won’t announce his line-up to face France until closer to the tie, but after three away victories in 2011 he has a wide squad to select from.
Among those players is world No. 31 Milos Raonic, doubles specialist Daniel Nestor and Vancouver resident Vasek Pospisil. “It is especially exciting for me as Vancouver is my home town.

I know from my past experiences playing there that the Vancouver fans are passionate about supporting their own and we are hoping that those large and noisy crowds come out to cheer us on in February.”

Despite being on away soil, France will enter the tie as favourites with team captain Guy Forget possessing a wealth of talent at his disposal.

There are currently four French players ranked inside the world’s Top 100, led by the talented Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Thanks to Tennis Canada for the info.

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