Canada knocks down champion Russia and will be Spain’s rival in the final

Canada will be the rival of Spain in the final of the ATP Cup 2022. After an intense and disputed semi-final, the Canadian team beat the almighty and current champion, Russia, in a doubles match that was decided in the supertie-break. More emotion and equality impossible. In this way, the Russians see their incredible streak of successes in international championships cut off, since they came from winning last year’s ATP Cup, Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup with the women’s team. Almost nothing.

Much credit to Canada, which began ruling in the tie thanks to Denis Shapovalov triumph. As expected, logic and the best ranking of Shapo (14th) before a Roman safiullin (24 years and 167º) that although it has been the discovery of this ATP Cup, it has never been seen in a battle of this nature. Despite this, Shapovalov had to sweat a lot to give Canada the first point, since the match was decided in the third set after 2h41: 6-4, 5-7 and 6-4.

All the pressure was on the shoulders of Daniil Medvedev, forced to win to prolong the duel. And the number two in the world did not fail. The Moscow equalized the contest in a much more affordable way than expected, since beat a whole Felix Auger-Aliassime on the fast track, number one in the Canadian team and 11th in the world ranking. The result, thanks to an immaculate day of Medvedev with the service (88% of points won with first serve and no break option granted), speaks for itself: 6-4 and 6-0 in just 70 minutes.

Finally, the doubles passed sentence with a vibrant clash in which, to Canada’s relief, Auger-Aliassime recovered after Medvedev’s correction. When everything seemed resolved in favor of Russia, he and Shapovalov raised the bar to sign a historic comeback that led their country to the first ATP Cup final in history: 4-6, 7-5 and 10-7 in 1h40. There it will wait for you Spain, much more seasoned in that fight for the title, Since just two years ago he played the final of this renewed competition against Serbia. Also, it should be noted that both teams know each other well since starred in the 2019 Davis Cup final in Madrid, with formations practically identical to the current ones with the exception of Rafa Nadal, who now is not with the Navy. Experience against overwhelming youth. All prepared…