Australia Edges France in Davis Cup Opener

Australia narrowly defeated France in the Davis Cup Finals group stage opener, with Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell clinching the doubles decider. Canada and Germany also posted strong victories in their respective ties. The tournament continues with reigning champions Italy starting their campaign against Brazil.

In the Davis Cup Finals group stage opener on Tuesday, Australia narrowly defeated France, with Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell securing the win in the doubles decider in Valencia. The match marked the third consecutive year that Australia triumphed over France in the group stage.

Canada began their defense of the title with a confident win over Argentina in Group D, driven by singles victories from Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime in Manchester. Germany dominated Slovakia with a comprehensive 3-0 victory in Zhuhai, China.

The Davis Cup group stage features 16 nations competing in various cities. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Davis Cup Final 8 Knockout Stage in Malaga, Spain, in November. Reigning champions Italy will start their campaign against Brazil in Group A.

(With inputs from agencies.)