Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime claimed straight-set victories to give the 2022 Davis Cup champions an unassailable lead against Finland.

Four groups will play across four cities this week to qualify for the Final 8 knockout stage to be held in Malaga, Spain, in November.

“I tried to raise my level at the end of the match,” the Italian said after his four-set, first-round win over Yannick Hanfmann. “Which I’m very happy [I did]”