Canada got off to a strong start in defending its Davis Cup title, beating Italy 3-0 in the group stage of the final on Wednesday.

This day also brought victories to the United States, Great Britain and the Czech Republic.

Alexis Galarneau defeated Lorenzo Sonego 7-6 (8), 6-4 before Gabriel Diallo also triumphed in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4, against Lorenzo Musetti to secure the Canadian victory at the Unipol Arena in Bologna .

Galarneau then teamed with Vasek Pospisil to win the doubles match and complete the sweep.

Canada beat Australia in the final last year to win the biggest men’s team tournament in world tennis for the first time. Both countries qualified directly for the group stage of the final.

There are four groups of four members each. The top two in each bracket advance to the next phase, which will be held in November in Malaga, Spain.

Australia opened by losing 2-1 to Great Britain in their group, which is being played in Manchester, England. The Australians lost both singles matches in three sets.

Thanasi Kokkinakis succumbed to Jack Draper, while Alex de Minaur fell to Dan Evans, before Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell claimed a consolation victory in the doubles.

The Americans opened their match in Split against host Croatia with a 6-4, 6-2 win by Mackenzie McDonald over Dino Prizmic, but 11th-ranked Frances Tiafoe surprisingly lost to 77th-ranked Borna Gojo, 6 -4, 7-6 (6).

In the deciding doubles match, Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram defeated Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-2 as the United States secured a 2-1 victory.

The Czechs won 3-0 against Spain, who are playing without Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in Valencia.