Shapovalov gives Canada early lead over Argentina in Davis Cup tie

Canada has taken a 1-0 lead in its Davis Cup tie against Argentina.

Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont., defeated Francisco Cerundolo 7-5, 6-3 in the first singles rubber match on Tuesday in Group D action at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

Shapovalov broke on all four of his opportunities while firing five aces and winning 70 per cent of his first-serve points.

The 25-year-old also edged out Cerundolo with 13 winners to seven.

Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime is scheduled to take on Sebastian Baez in the second singles match.

The third and final match will be Shapovalov and Vasek Pospisil of Vernon, B.C., in doubles action against Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni.

WATCH | Shapovalov downs Argentina's Cerundolo in straight sets: