VANCOUVER, CANADA – FEBRUARY 5: Gabriel Diallo of Canada (L) and Joao Lucas Reis Da Silva of Brazil pose for a photo during the official draw prior to the Davis Cup Qualifier first round match between Canada and Brazil at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Arena on February 5, 2026 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images for ITF)
(February 5, 2026) VANCOUVER, Canada — On Thursday, the official draw of the Davis Cup Qualifiers 1st Round tie between Canada and Brazil was held to determine the upcoming matches on February 6 and 7 at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver.
Captain Frank Dancevic selected No.39 Gabriel Diallo and No.146 Liam Draxl to battle in the singles matches, and Brazil’s captain Jaime Oncins opted to call upon No.203 Joao Lucas Reis da Silva and No.253 Gustavo Heide. On Friday, Draxl will open the tie against Silva, followed by Diallo versus Heide.
“Brazil has always been tough competitors in the past and they are a country that’s always been good in tennis. We take them very seriously,” said Frank Dancevic. “But Gabriel and Liam are sharp and ready, and we did everything we could to prepare going into Friday. Moreover, we had great success playing in Vancouver and the crowd is always amazing here. The team is really excited, and they know it’s going to be fun.”
“They are a very physical team, [and] they put a lot of intensity. We are going to have to come out the block very aggressive,” added Diallo. “That said, we are looking for a great battle and it’s the type of pressure you don’t find elsewhere on tour. [Personally], it’s one that I really enjoy competing in. Hopefully, we can go tomorrow, compete and get the job done.”
“Preparations are going great – we are all super excited and really looking forward to tomorrow,” mentioned Draxl. “[Playing for Canada], it’s just a complete honour. Growing up, you have these dreams of playing pro tennis, and the Davis Cup is one of those dreams. I’m super thankful to get to represent Canada and I’m just going to try my best for the country tomorrow”.
In doubles, Draxl and Cleeve Harper will face the formidable duo of Rafael Matos (No.34 in doubles) and Orlando Luz (No.53 in doubles). Currently ranked No.97 in doubles, Harper is Canada’s top-ranked men’s doubles player. In 2025, he took home three titles including two alongside Draxl. The pair notably clinched the victory for Canada at the Davis Cup
World Group I tie in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the outcome of a thrilling three-setter (5-7, 6-0, 6-4).
MATCH SCHEDULE
The opening singles match between Draxl and Silva will be played on Friday, February 6 at 4 p.m., followed by Diallo’s contest against Heide. On Saturday, February 7, the doubles showdown will start at 1 p.m., followed by the remaining two matches, as necessary. If the outcome of the tie is decided after the doubles match, the final singles match may not be played.
The tie will be broadcast in French on TVA Sports and streamed in English on the CBC Sports YouTube channel.
Friday, February 6
• Liam Draxl vs. Joao Lucas Reis da Silva – 4 p.m. PT
• Followed by Gabriel Diallo vs. Gustavo Heide
Saturday, February 7
• Liam Draxl and Cleeve Harper vs. Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos – 1 p.m. PT
• Followed by Gabriel Diallo vs. Joao Lucas Reis da Silva
• Followed by Liam Draxl vs. Gustavo Heide
