Denis Shapovalov has withdrawn from Canada’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Hungary due to a back injury, Tennis Canada said Monday.
The best-of-five first-round qualifier begins Saturday at IGA Stadium.
“I’m really disappointed to withdraw from the Davis Cup tie this weekend,” Shapovalov said in a statement. “I love playing at home and it’s always an honour to play for Team Canada, but I’m still struggling with some back pain after my last match at the Australian Open.”
Shapovalov, the world No. 53,, said he plans to continue rehabilitation over the coming days and hopes to be ready for an ATP Tour event next week in Dallas.
The 25-year-old from Richmond Hill, Ont., lost to 16th-seeded Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the second round at Melbourne Park.
Shapovalov’s withdrawal left Canada without its top two singles players. Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, the world No. 23, was not available as he’s focusing on the indoor hardcourt season in Europe.
Calgary’s Cleeve Harper was named to the roster as Shapovalov’s replacement, joining a squad that includes Montreal’s Gabriel Diallo, Alexis Galarneau of Laval, Que., Liam Draxl of Newmarket, Ont., and Vasek Pospisil of Vernon, B.C.
“We’re obviously disappointed that Denis can’t join us this week,” said Canadian captain Frank Dancevic. “He’s an exceptionally talented player who has always taken great pride in representing Canada, as shown by his many appearances over the years.
“That said, we still have a strong squad that can compete with anyone. We believe in our players and are thrilled to welcome Cleeve, who adds depth to our team.”
The winner of the two-day tie will advance to the second round of qualifiers in September. The losing team will be relegated to the World Group 1 level.
Canada has lost in the quarterfinals the last two years.
Auger-Aliassime also gave up his roster spot last fall, citing recovery time and humanitarian interests. He helped anchor Canada to its lone Davis Cup title in 2022 and won Olympic mixed doubles bronze at the Paris Games last summer.
At No. 85, Diallo is now the highest-ranked Canadian singles player on the roster. Galarneau is ranked 176th, seven positions ahead of Draxl.
Pospisil, who won a U.S. Open doubles title in 2014, spent most of last season on the lower-level Challenger circuit.
Hungary, meanwhile, has nominated two top-100 singles players in No. 58 Fabian Marozsan and No. 96 Marton Fucsovics. Kornel Bardoczky captains a squad that also includes Mate Valkusz, Adam Jilly and Peter Fajta.
Harper, who’s ranked 128th in doubles, will be making his Davis Cup debut.
The 24-year-old primarily competes at Challenger events. He has claimed eight ITF doubles titles over his career, including a win with Draxl last weekend at the Oeiras Open 3 in Portugal.
Canada is third in the Davis Cup rankings behind Italy and Australia. Hungary, ranked No. 22, qualified for the first-round tie by defeating Egypt in World Group 1 play.
Montreal also served as a first-round host last February when Canada defeated South Korea 3-1. Canada has won nine of its last 10 home ties.
Two singles matches will be played on the 2,000-seat venue’s indoor hardcourt on Saturday. A doubles match and two singles matches are scheduled for Sunday.