Canada Secures Davis Cup Qualifiers Spot Amid Protests in Halifax

BREAKING: Canada has officially advanced to the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers after a decisive 3-0 victory over Israel in a best-of-five tie held in an empty Halifax stadium on September 13, 2025. This match took place under tense circumstances, with protests occurring outside the venue.

The Canadian team showcased their resilience as Liam Draxl from Newmarket, Ontario, and Cleeve Harper from Calgary came back from a set down to triumph over Israel’s Jordan Hasson and Ofek Shimanov with a score of 5-7, 6-0, 6-4 in the doubles match. Earlier, singles victories by Draxl and Gabriel Diallo from Montreal ensured Canada’s dominance, with the doubles match sealing their advancement out of the World Group 1 stage.

In a surprising move, Canada opted to substitute world No. 35 Diallo with Harper for a singles match against Orel Kimhi. Draxl was set to conclude the tie with a match against Daniel Cukierman, emphasizing Canada’s strong performance throughout the competition.

The decision to hold the matches without spectators or media was made by Tennis Canada, citing safety concerns raised by local authorities and security agencies. Approximately 400 demonstrators gathered outside the stadium to protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, highlighting the charged atmosphere surrounding the event.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Canada as they prepare for the main draw of the Davis Cup tournament next year. The team’s success not only showcases their athletic talent but also takes place against a backdrop of social and political tensions, adding an emotional layer to their achievement.

What’s Next: As Canada moves forward, all eyes will be on their performance in the upcoming qualifiers. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this victory impacts their momentum and strategy.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Canada continues its journey in the Davis Cup.