Milos Raonic has been added to Canada’s roster for next month’s Davis Cup Final 8.
Tennis Canada announced Tuesday that Felix Auger-Aliassime will miss the event to recover and focus on his philanthropic work in Togo.
The 33-year-old Raonic, from Thornhill, Ont., will join Denis Shapovalov, Gabriel Diallo, Alexis Galarneau and Vasek Pospisil plus coach Frank Dancevic in Canada’s quest for a second Davis Cup title.
The knockout stage runs Nov. 19-24 in Malaga, Spain.
“As a professional tennis player, I know my impact goes far beyond the court,” Auger-Aliassime said in a release. “The season is very long and, as players, we’re forced to make difficult choices between ATP tournaments, team competitions, rest and training time as well as humanitarian work. It has always been hugely important for me and my family to give back to others and I’m very proud of the support we have provided to educational initiatives in my father’s home country, Togo. I plan on continuing that work this November and so, unfortunately, I have made the tough decision to miss the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga.
“I know Frank (Dancevic) and the team have what it takes to come back from Malaga with a second Davis Cup title — and I’ll be their biggest supporter while they’re in Spain. It means the world to me to wear the Maple Leaf for Team Canada, and I hope to do that many, many times in the future.”
Canada captured its first Davis Cup title in 2022.
It’ll be Raonic’s 16th time representing Canada at the Davis Cup.
“It’s always an honour for me to represent Canada on the international stage, and I can’t wait to join the guys in Malaga for this year’s Davis Cup Finals,” Raonic said. “In 2022, I watched Canada win the Davis Cup from the comfort of my home, and I couldn’t have been prouder of the team and our country. I’d love nothing more than to be on the court for the next time we raise that trophy.”
