Unexpected coronation for Canada in the ATP Cup

Especially thanks to the significant achievements of Felix Agar-Aliassim during the week, Canada became the ATP Cup champions in Sydney on Sunday, beating Spain 2-0 in the final.

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

The Canadians became the third winners after Serbia and Russia in the team’s competitive history.

“Emotions are unbelievable. Felix entered the field after the victory. There is no better feeling than winning.”

Difficult start

Canada in particular has come a long way in recent days. In late December, Agar-aliasim and his compatriots did not even know if they could play in the tournament.

When he arrived in Sydney for Christmas, Shapovalov was diagnosed with COVID-19. Steven Dice is stuck at home with a positive test and is unsure whether he can stay in Australia for the event. Peter Polanski has just resigned for personal reasons.

Felix, who was appointed captain to replace Polanski, had no choice but to cross his fingers. If “Shapo” and Dice had not played, the Maple Leaf delegates would have had to withdraw from the tournament.

Then, Canada started the competition by losing all three of their games to the United States. “We had a difficult start, Agar-aliasim agreed, but during our confrontation with Great Britain [le deuxième adversaire du Canada], Things started to take place. We’re starting to trust it more and more, ”Kubeser continued.

When it was over, the Canadians quickly beat Germany, Russia and Spain to win the trophy.

Dominance and last

Facing the Spaniards – losing the tournament in Melbourne Rafael Nadal – Shapovalov started the strong with 20 defeats^E Mondial, Pablo Carreno Busta. The 14^E The ATP Rocket dominated 6-4 and 6-3.

Then, Felix sealed the Canadian crown by defeating Roberto Batista Agut (19).^E) 7-6 (3) and 6-3, after leaving some cold sweat in the first set.

The 21-year-old had a good week in Sydney despite losing badly to Russian Daniel Medvedev (2).^E In the world, 6-4 and 6-0), in the semi-finals. In singles, Agar-Aliassim defeated three top 20 members: Britain’s Cameron Norie, 12^E, German Alexander Zverev, third, then Batista Agut.

He should point to the ninth rank in the ATP rankings this morning, which is two places higher than last week, but the highest in his career above all.

“I think this title will serve as a springboard for the whole team for the rest of the season,” Felix said. Winning is not so easy. It takes a lot of care. ”

Another page in history was written in Sydney

Every single achievement of the Canadian player on the world stage increases the notoriety of tennis in the country. Canada’s ATP Cup victory on Sunday was no exception, said Denis Shapovalov.

“It’s unique to our country,” he told a news conference. Basically, we’re not really a summer sports country, but over the last five years, with Olympic victories and many great tennis athletes, conditions have changed. This is a good step forward. ”

Two years ago, the Canadians lost to the Spaniards in the Davis Cup final. Admittedly, the circumstances are different: Rafael Nadal is in competition and representatives of Maple Leaf have very little experience. The ATP Cup is not the Davis Cup, but a competition of centuries that is still one of the flagship events of the season. But “Shapo” still appreciates the distance traveled between this defeat in the final and the crown on Sunday.

“I hope our success in Canada has been seen. In fact, I think it has happened and I hope it inspires a lot of young people to take up racquets and start playing tennis,” the 23-year-old said.

“I hope it keeps young people entertained and detains those who face difficult times with us,” Felix Agar-aliasim continued. That it could put a smile on their face. “

His arm is shaking

This success took the form of learning for Agar-aliasim. After searching for the first singles title in the ATP and losing in the eight finals, Kubeser was able to taste the joy of a major victory.

Veteran Roberto Bautista defeated Aguta to give Canada a decisive victory. What inspired him for the future.

“It’s hard to describe how much my arm weighs at times like this,” Felix said in an interview. Hi hello Sunday. In fact, your hand will shake in this kind of situation. “

“However, you have come to receive,” he added. You try to look at the good sides of the moment. Winning such matches is a habit for champions. “

Sleeping with the trophy

Event organizers presented small trophies to each member of the Canadian team, including Steven Diez and Briden Schnour. As such, there is no intrigue. Each player was able to sleep last night with their valuable loot.