Daniil Medvedev had propelled Russia to the Davis Cup ultimate with a win over Germany when he turned to the stands on the Madrid Arena and started to level repeatedly on the exhausting court docket below his ft.
He was right here to remain in Madrid for one more day, to guide Russia to probably the most spectacular staff trophy in males’s tennis in opposition to Croatia.
There was mockery from German followers and impartial Spaniards, however the world’s second-ranked participant did not thoughts. In truth, he provoked them and stampeded his foot earlier than placing his fist on the Russian contingent absorbing his victory.
When in Madrid…
‘Kalma’@DaniilMedwed , #Daviscup ultimate #byRakuten pic.twitter.com/GHHASMqLOY
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) 4 December 2021
Medvedev stated it was his staff’s method of celebrating in imitation of different staff sports activities akin to soccer the place the ‘preserve calm’ gesture has change into well-liked. And if the gang acquired it flawed, so be it.
Medvedev stated, “When we practice or play cards, we have fun on the team, I have seen football players like Cristiano (Ronaldo), we say ‘calm, calm, calm’.” “So I decided to celebrate like this and everyone started whistling… I’m really glad we managed to be here on Sunday.”
Madrid = @DaniilMedwedstomping floor#Daviscup ultimate #byRakuten pic.twitter.com/phxBErMXia
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) 4 December 2021
Medvedev sealed a Russian victory on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Jan-Lenard Struff when Andre Rublev scored a 6-4, 6-0 win over Dominic Koefer.
Croatia awaits Russia after eliminating Novak Djokovic’s Serbia on Friday. Both Russia and Croatia shall be aiming for a 3rd Davis Cup title.
“Croatia is a very strong team, it has always been in the Davis Cup,” stated Medvedev. “I’m not expecting anything easy, so we have to do our best to have a chance to win.”
Medvedev reached the ultimate after not dropping a set within the match, the place he confronted Croatia’s No. 1 Marin Cilic.
With 4 gamers within the high 30, Russia was favored to play in opposition to a German staff with out star Alexander Zverev.
The spotlight of Medvedev’s Davis Cup ultimate to this point?
‘Beating Spain in Madrid’@DaniilMedwed , #Daviscup ultimate #byRakuten pic.twitter.com/0eMwCKnWsJ
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) 4 December 2021
The defending US Open champion had some hassle serving in opposition to Struff, and it was solely a matter of time earlier than he may pounce on the German’s mistake.
Struff labored exhausting with Medvedev till he dug himself into the outlet 0-40 at 4-4 within the first set. He saved two break factors earlier than sending an method shot into the web to fall behind. Medvedev then held up his serve with ease to take a one-set lead.
Medvedev took his benefit after taking a 3-2 break within the second set.
Fifth-ranked Rublev had proven weak spot up to now week. He misplaced to Spain’s 40-year-old Feliciano López and needed to undergo three units to beat Ecuador’s Roberto Queiroz and Swede Elias Yamer.
He wanted solely 50 minutes to dismiss Koefer.
Rublev simply took benefit of a set, blasting six aces. Koefer rapidly light, seeding the break in his three service video games of the second set as Rublev took the win.
The Russian staff, formally known as the RTF (Russian Tennis Federation), competed within the midst of an ongoing doping suspension in worldwide sport.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
