Huge shock as Davis Cup Finals get underway with Finland’s amazing run continuing
They are the tennis giant killers of 2023 in the Davis Cup and it seems the remarkable story being served up by Finland will not stop any time soon.
Defending champions Canada were dumped out of the Davis Cup at the quarter-final stage after a shock 2-1 defeat to Finland in Malaga.
The Canadians had been dealt a huge blow before the start of the tie when number one Felix Auger-Aliassime was forced to withdraw due to injury.
But a convincing 6-3 7-5 win for Milos Raonic – making his first Davis Cup appearance in five years – over Patrick Kaukovalta put his side firmly in control.
But Finland responded to force a decisive doubles rubber when Otto Virtanen defeated Gabriel Diallo 6-4 7-5.
And Virtanen then teamed up with Harri Heliovaara to beat Canadian duo Alexis Galarneau and Vasek Pospisil 7-5 6-3 to book a semi-final berth for the first time in their history.
“I know the sport is a little bit bigger tomorrow in Finland than yesterday after this. That’s a good thing,” said Finland captain Jarkko Nieminen.
“Many people play tennis. Not so many people compete. We don’t have too many pro players, so it’s a popular hobby sport, but it’s not one of the traditional sports in Finland, as you mentioned a couple of those that we have had success throughout the years.
“Now tennis is getting bigger and bigger. Even before our success, tennis was getting a little bit bigger. Now tennis is getting more attention.
“The Davis Cup team is getting more attention. For sure more girls and boys will start playing when they have something to look after. Just that you’re able to see more tennis on TV or in the newspapers helps, and you have idols like these guys.”
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic arrives for Davis Cup duty – here is all you need to know about the World Cup of tennis
Finland hero Heliovaara also gave his verdict as he said: “This is why we play tennis, absolutely. I play for the emotions. That’s the best you can, highs and lows.
“Today was definitely one of the highest days of my career in terms of emotions. We have a great team. Well, we knew beforehand there was going to be a big Finnish supporter group. Still, you never know how good it’s gonna feel until you actually experience that on court. I mean, we were unlucky that Emil couldn’t play today.
“At the same time, we had a breakfast this morning with this guy next to me, and I told him we might need two points from him. After I saw the singles, I was pretty sure he was going to play unreal doubles as well. It was a treat to be on court. Can’t ask for more.
“This is, like I said in the beginning, this is why we play, and those emotions are something that I can cherish for the rest of my life.
“I can tell a secret: We have never, ever practiced even one point together in doubles before today. And the first, yeah, first time we ever played was today (smiling). Yeah, we went through the signs, went through the tactics just like 15 minutes before the match. But that’s sometimes what works the best.
“Let it happen. No expectations. Just do your best. Be a good teammate. We did exactly that.”
A big crowd was in attendance for the opening day of action in Malaga, with bumper attendances expected later in the week, especially for the Great Britain vs Serbia game on Thursday, when Novak Djokovic will take centre stage.