MADRID/STARNBERG, November 27, 2021
Kazakhstan began their journey at the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals with a 2-1 comeback victory over Sweden in Group B on Saturday afternoon in Madrid.
After losing the opening rubber, Kazakhstan, currently ranked No. 12 on the Nations Ranking, fought all the way back led by their top player Alexander Bublik. The World No. 36 rallied from a set down to beat Mikael Ymer 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the second singles rubber. Bublik struck 18 winners and converted four of his eight break-point opportunities to finish the encounter after one hour and 34 minutes.
“I think that’s what tennis is all about,” said Bublik. “You got to try to play until the very last moment. If you have a chance, just try to get it and realize it. That’s what I did. I was lucky that the match turned my way.”
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Elias Ymer remains unbeaten in Madrid
Sweden, who were aiming to continue the momentum from a convincing win over Canada on the opening day, had the better start into the tie. Elias Ymer got his second victory of the week with an impressive 6-3, 7-6(4) win over Mikhail Kukushkin in the first singles rubber.
“I love Madrid, I’m undefeated,” a delighted Ymer said afterwards. “I’ve played Mikhail three times before and all of our matches are super tough. Against him you never get any easy moments. But he’s a fighter and he came back. The ball is bouncing extremely low. You cannot be super-aggressive all the time. You have to choose your time to attack him, because he’s been a quality player for I don’t know how many years. I can really see why he makes you very uncomfortable. All credit to him. I’m just so happy to be through.”
Asked about the new Davis Cup format, Ymer responded: “I always felt that the Davis Cup needed a change. Something needed to be done because there are so many matches all the time. So I think it’s a good initiative, and, I mean, it’s second year. It’s my first time here. Maybe it’s a bit too late in the season, because if we have to go to Australia on the 27th, it’s like in two weeks almost. But apart from that, I think we have something special in Davis Cup, which I think we should use in tennis.”
Golubev/Nedovyesov succeed in doubles
After a tight start to the doubles, the experienced pair of Andrey Golubev and Aleksandr Nedovseyov secured the tie for Kazakhstan against Andre Goransson and Robert Lindestedt. The winners of five ATP Challenger team titles prevailed 6-3, 6-3 in 68 minutes to leave Group B hanging in the balance.
Digging deep for the win 😤#DavisCupFinals #byRakuten pic.twitter.com/gDiID6cOhH
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 27, 2021
