The friendship that led Felix and “Shapo” to the final

Denis Shapovalov believes that the chemistry of the Canadian team reaching the final of the ATP Cup is nothing new.

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After losing the first four matches of the tag team competition in Sydney, Australia, Canada bounced back in the most beautiful manner, qualifying for the final for the first time.

Felix Agar-Aliasim’s victories over Britain’s Cameron Nori and German Alexander Zverev, in particular, allowed Maple Leaf delegates to escape the group stage.

From Friday to Saturday night, the Canadians knocked out Russia in the semifinals. They were Roberto Batista Agut of Spain last night, ranked 19th in the world and 20th ranked Pablo Carreno Busta (results available on JDEM.com and Le. Journal Tomorrow).

In the decisive doubles, Agar-Aliasim and Shapovalov defeated Daniel Medvedev and Roman Safiulin 4-6, 7-5, 10-7.

“I think our team of players [aussi composé de Steven Diez et Brayden Schnur] Be better than other countries, ”Shapovalov told a news conference.

“Felix and I grew up together. This is how we went from mini-tournaments to finals, adding the 14th world. Playing with Felix is ​​rare. “

Medvedev was dealt with harshly

A doubles match was inevitable when Felix lost to ATP second rocket Medvedev.

As in the semifinals of the United States Open last September, Kubeser – ranked 11th in the world – fought the Russians, losing 6-4 and 6-0.

Shapovalov tied the odds with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 victory over world 167th Safiulin in the semifinals.

“I think Felix and I are doing a good job of supporting each other,” Shapo commented. He did the same with me when we beat Nari in the match against Great Britain, when we won in doubles. “

“I can’t believe I had this chemistry with Felix,” he continued. It took us away. “

Strong start

Regardless of Canada against the finalists twice in the competition, the two young players are happy to have a great start to the new year.

The points Felix collected last week will allow him to return to 10th place in the world, which he briefly maintained at the end of last season.

Shapovalov remains in 14th place, but is looking forward to launching the campaign with success in the next few months, even if it means “nothing”.

The 22-year-old said it was “good to be able to play games”. I do not know if I can play because I’m on quarantine [après un test positif à la COVID-19] And I don’t know how my body responds. “