Russian Tennis Federation clinches Davis Cup finals title
Daniil Medvedev delivered once again on Sunday to guide the Russian Tennis Federation to the Davis Cup Finals title against Croatia in Madrid.
The World No. 2, who did not drop a set at the tournament, overcame Marin Cilic 7-6(7), 6-2 in 89 minutes to secure victory for the Russian Tennis Federation.
Medvedev was strong on serve, firing eight aces and winning 87 per cent (34/39) of points behind his first delivery. It is the third time the Russian Tennis Federation has won the Davis Cup, also triumphing in 2002 and 2006.
“It feels amazing,” Medvedev said in his on-court interview. “I am more happy for the team than myself. We have an amazing team with an amazing atmosphere and I am just happy to be able to be part of this team to win the points we needed. It was an amazing two weeks. I am really happy.”
Earlier, Andrey Rublev had set the wheels in motion, downing Borna Gojo 6-4, 7-6(5) to give the Russian Tennis Federation a 1-0 lead. The 24-year-old did not face a break point and hit 18 winners to win after one hour and 33 minutes.
“It was super tough,” Rublev said in his on-court interview. “There was a lot of pressure on me. Borna was playing unbelievably for the past two weeks. He has beaten some amazing players and was amazing today. I will enjoy the moment.”
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Croatia got past Serbia and the top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, while Russia ousted Germany.
The Russians won a group that included defending champion Spain and Ecuador then advanced past Sweden in the quarterfinals. Croatia won a group with Australia and Hungary then defeated Italy in the last eight.
The International Tennis Federation and the Kosmos Tennis group that is behind the competition said that next year four cities will host the group stages, with another venue — likely Abu Dhabi — hosting the knockout rounds.
Madrid was the sole host of the competition over a seven-day period in 2019. This year, Innsbruck in Austria and Turin in Italy were added as hosts over an 11-day period. The event was not played in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
