ATP Cup: Poland, Canada and the new Russian strength
The Final Four at this year's edition of the ATP Cup have been decided. With Poland and Canada there are two nations that were not necessarily to be expected in the run-up to the event.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jan 06, 2022, 08:40 pm
If you had said two weeks ago that Russia would reach the semifinals of the ATP Cup, the bookmakers would have rewarded this risk with a rate that is slowly but surely approaching 1.0. With Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, two top ten players were determined as Russian starters, a few days later one of whom had to pass with the latter due to a COVID-19 infection. And so the chances for another Russian celebration at a team event were considerably reduced.
Because Roman Safiullin, who is now going into the race as the second individual player instead of Rublev, could not necessarily be seen as a "bank" in this position in the run-up to the tournament. Especially since the 24-year-old is currently only at number 167 on the ATP charts. But it is Safiullin who is currently vouching for success for his Russians: Victories over Arthur Rinderknech and James Duckworth were of central importance for his team, and alongside "one" Medvedev, the Russian can also look back on a clean slate in pair skating. And thus on a clean slate in the national battles: The Russians maneuvered their way into the semifinals with three victories.
Canada razor-thinly ahead
In which it will now go against Canada, which could surprise in a strong group with the USA, Germany and Great Britain. Especially recently, in the two individual successes against Zverev and Struff from Germany, Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime showed a remarkable early form. The very tight first place in the group, with a 2: 1 win ratio, should be fee enough for the youngsters from North America. Especially since the second-placed British have a better match ratio (5: 4 vs. 4: 5), but are behind due to the lost direct duel.
Even with Spain, and especially the Poles, you didn't necessarily have to plan in advance for the semifinals. The Spaniards compensated for the failures of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (and of course also benefited from the absence of Novak Djokovic) just as well as the Poles were able to take advantage of the weak line-up in number two in Group D . And could also fall back on a Hubert Hurkacz, who presented himself in an excellent mood - and goes unbeaten from the group stage. Italy and Germany, who were expected to do a lot in the run-up to the ATP Cup, on the other hand, were not able to convince collectively.
The semifinals of the ATP Cup are now contested by Spain and Poland (January 7th) as well as Canada and Russia (January 8th). The big final will take place on Sunday, February 9th.