The more things change with the Davis Cup, the more they stay the same.
Drama.
That’s always been the constant; probably always will be. It certainly has been this week, with doubles predictably deciding ties left and right in the new format that has been shortened from best-of-five to best-of-three (in terms of both each rubbers and the overall tie).
Canada and Spain survived deciding doubles matches on semifinal Saturday–just as they did in the quarters–to reach the Davis Cup final inside Madrid’s Caja Magica. Denis Shapovalov and Vasek Pospisil led the Canadians past Russia in dramatic fashion before Rafael Nadal delivered more magic for the host nation, this time at Great Britain’s expense.
After Pospisil lost to Andrey Rublev and Shapovalov beat Karen Khachanov, the trusty Canadian duo teamed up to outlast Rublev and Khachanov 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5).
“I’m at a loss for words,” Shapovalov said. “It’s incredible how far we’ve come this week, with me and Vasek playing on a different level. It’s unbelievable to see. And to clinch it like this in the doubles, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“We’re going to try and get a good night’s sleep and rest up tomorrow,” Pospisil assured. “We’ve got a huge day–a historic day for us tomorrow–and we’re going to leave it all out there.”
To say it won’t be easy against Nadal-led Spain would be a gross understatement. Of course, nothing has been easy for the Spaniards this week, either. Adversity has struck far too often, most notably in the form of the death of Roberto Bautista Agut’s father. Pablo Carreno Busta and Marcel Granollers are both less than 100 percent physically; the same can perhaps be said of Felciano Lopez.
But speaking of constants, Nadal has risen to the occasion time and time again to pull his team off the canvas. Facing a must-win situation in singles following Lopez’s loss to Kyle Edmund, the world No. 1 eased Dan Evans 6-4, 6-0. He proceeded to partner Lopez and pretty much carry the 38-year-old to a 7-6(3), 7-6(8) triumph over Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski.
“This competition is dramatic and with this new format even more,” Nadal noted. “It was very close, we were not able to have not one break throughout the whole match, I think we played a great match. Feli served amazing and I think in the important moments he did everything well. We are super, super happy, has been an amazing and unforgettable evening for all of us.”
Added Lopez, “For me, personally, this is something that I will never expect. I’m 38 years old. I’m playing the last years of my career probably. And, honestly, I never thought that I will have the opportunity to play another Davis Cup Finals, first of all, in Madrid, and playing today the deciding point with Rafa to be in the final.
“So I’m living a dream, to be honest. This is the truth.”
Canada vs. Spain
Projected singles 1: Denis Shapovalov vs. Rafael Nadal
Projected singles 2: Vasek Pospisil vs. Pablo Carreno Busta
Projected doubles: Shapovalov/Pospisil vs. Nadal/Lopez
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As a Rafafan I root for Spain because it would be a wonderful and fitting end of Rafa’s great season. But if Canada manages an upset I will be more than happy for Shapo and the Popsicle. They are both terrific players and also very likable. Shapo who has less than wonderful DC memories, has truly grown up while Pospisil hopefully will make a comeback in the top 50 next season. In the last few seasons he has been overshadowed by his fellow Canadians Raonic, Shapo and FAA. But during this week in Madrid he was been very much in the spotlight again and was one of the best players.
According to Spanish journalist Rafael Plaza, Roberto Bautista Agut is scheduled to play against Canada:
https://twitter.com/Rafael_Plaza/status/1198574919694635008
RBA and Rafa did it!!! Grats to La Armada!
So thankful it was over in 2 matches. Not sure my heart could have taken a third today!!! FAA alternated between brilliant and awful (still having 2nd serve problems), RBA outsteadied him. Shapo was brilliant at times but error prone. Rafa wasn’t at his best today but he hung tough did it when he had to!
Really GREAT ending for Rafa’s year. If I’d had to pick between WTF champ and DC champ, I’d go with the latter. Seems Rafa would too! Who says Rafa can’t play at altitude on indoor hard court at the end of the year? 🙂
I think Canada will be back though. Their guys are still young and this new format favors teams with strong singles players that can play doubles too.
Speaking of the new format it has some growing pains but overall reaction has been positive, and the players made this a great week! Especially Rafa who very deservedly got the Most Valuable Player trophy. Wish I could have seen more of it than the Final and a few YouTube highlights. You listening, Tennis Channel?
Good coverage on Eurosport
Vamos Spain…..I like the new format….may have to go to Madrid next year!
That would be great, Scoot! I may be a convert too. The week was compelling, even with no tv coverage here in the States.
I think the format could use a few tweaks. One commie suggested putting the doubles as the middle match, as DC always had. Although with it as the last match I guess the big name singles players are more likely to play doubles. And matches ending so very late – not good for players or fans! – need to do something about the scheduling.