Alexis Galarneau reflects on time at N.C. State, winning World Championship with Team Canada

RALEIGH Former N.C. State tennis Alexis Galarneau was part of history recently.

Galarneau, a two-time All-American for the Wolfpack, was a member of Canada's first ever Davis Cup world championship team.

Last month, Canada defeated Australia, 2-0.

It was Galarneau's first time representing his country in the Davis Cup. While he admittedly would have liked to see more time on the court, he credits his time in Raleigh with being able to accept his position.

"My role for my teammates was to be supportive," Galarneau said. "Be there for whatever they need and I just feel like N.C. State really prepared me for that. I'm just thankful for that."

During his time at N.C. Galarneau learned, like all student-athletes, how to balance athletics and academics. Looking at the bigger picture, being around his teammates, coaches and fellow students helped shape his perspective on things.

"It's just more than tennis so it makes me appreciate my time even more on the court when I get to play," Galarneau said. "You can't take anything for granted."

Galarneau spent five years in Raleigh, leaving town with a 65-36 mark in singles (a school record) and a doubles record of 60-30.

Canada played the Netherlands in the qualifying round in February. They didn't win that time, but got another shot in September where they qualified. Galarneau got some quality time on the court during that round and along with his teammates, started building confidence.

Galarneau admitted team Canada didn't expect to win when everything started. However, the young roster caught fire at the right time.

"We have a good generation coming up," Galarneau said. "It was one of those weeks where the stars were aligned and somehow we pulled through. We also faced a lot of adversity in the quarters and the semis and eventually the finals was probably our smoothest match. So it was nice to be part of this team, and of course the sound of being a world champion is amazing."

Galarneau, 23, said one of the best parts of the entire experience was being able to win it with longtime friend Felix Auger-Aliassime. At the final match point, Galarneau and Auger-Aliassime embraced on the court, but the realization that they were world champions still hadn't hit.

It wasn't until they returned to the court for the final ceremonies that it all sunk in.

"We dreamed about this moment when we were younger," Galarneau said. "Two or three guys on the team, we are in the same generation. We grew up having that same dream for so long, and we talked about it when we were younger, so to finally accomplish it was insane, and to share with them it's crazy."
The win was not only big for Galarneau and his longtime friends, but for others who have been a part of the journey.

"Everyone that has been part of Alexis' career up to this point can appreciate the drive and dedication this man has put into his tennis," N.C. State tennis coach Kyle Spencer said. "Alexis continues to demonstrate the sacrifices needed to be an elite professional. Who knows what the future holds but one thing we do know is Alexis Galarneau is a world champion and we at N.C. State tennis are so very proud of him."

Galarneau's future is clear. Currently he's just outside of the top 200 (210) and has his sights set on the top 100.

"With my progression and how I've been playing, I can become a top 100 player by the end of next year," Galarneau confirmed. "I'm going to have a lot of new opportunities this year by being able to get in some grand slam qualifications by playing some higher level tournaments. So it should be really fun for me and for all the N.C. State fans who follow me."

Alexis Galarneau reflects on time at N.C. State, winning World Championship with Team Canada

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