Medvedev, Rublev Leads Russia to Davis Cup Title

December 6, 2021 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Medvedev_crop
Photo Credit: Garrett Ellwood/USTA

 

The Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) won its first Davis Cup title in 15 years after Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev delivered clutch victories against Croatia in Madrid, Spain on Sunday.

The Russian players competed under the RTF label due to the nation’s continued suspension from international competition.

“It feels amazing,” Medvedev said. “But I’m more happy for the team than for myself. We have an amazing team, amazing atmosphere. I’m happy to be part of it and bring the points we need.”

Rublev defeated Borna Gojo 6-4, 7-6(5) to put RTF ahead early, and then it was Medvedev taking on Marin Cilic in a battle of former U.S. Open champions.

Medvedev won 7-6(7), 6-2 to give his team the clinching 2-0 advantage.

“It was a tough match all day long,” said Medvedev. “The tiebreak is a matter of few points. I made a double fault on the set point that was probably a big mistake, but I’m happy that today it was enough to win. It was a really tough match.”

The victory marked a sweep for the Russian men and women in team competition this winter, as the RTF women captured the Billie Jean King Cup title in Prague, Czech Republic last month.

Russia’s previous Davis Cup titles came in 2006 and 2002.

 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Bethpage
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