Madrid Davis Cup 2021 by editorialmic

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Contents

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THE BATTLES

THE TEAMS 26

Group A Spain, Russian Tennis Federation, Ecuador

Group B Canada, Kazakhstan, Sweden

Group C France, Great Britain, Czech Republic

Group D Croatia, Australia, Hungary

Group E United States, Italy, Colombia

Group F Serbia, Germany, Austria

Numbers and statistics The Davis Cup Finals in numbers

116

Group A: Galácticos Spain defends its title

120

Group B: 2019 finalists A challenge for Canada

126

Group C: The battle of the classics A wealth of title winners

130

Group D: A fight between two… or three? The battle will be fierce

136

Group E: Pure dynamite Youth, experience and doubles legends

140

Group F: Super Serbs The world No. 1 takes to the court

146

One story among many Behind the scenes at the Davis Cup Finals

152

A sharp look: 40 years coverage Insights from award-winning photographer Paul Zimmer

THE HEROES

THE EXPERIENCE

The Davis Cup is back! Legends and young stars line up

170

Interview: Mickey Mikitani Founder and CEO of the Rakuten Group

Meet the young guns The fresh faces and rising stars

174

A treasure trove to explore Come and enjoy the Region of Madrid

Masters of multitasking Meet the Davis Cup captains

176

Madrid: Capital of Sport Come and enjoy the city of Madrid

Interview: Andrey Rublev The young Russian already making waves

180

Interview: Matteo Berrettini Flying the flag for Italy

From the court to the library Book recommendations from players and captains

188

100

Interview: Marin Cilic Croatia's experienced hand

An inspirational legacy The Davis Cup children's programme

194

106

Interview: Juan Sebastián Cabal and Robert Farah A doubles masterclass from Colombia

That special Davis Cup atmosphere Pictures of the tournament's legendary fans

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Eighteen teams AUSTRALIA

GREAT BRITAIN

AUS

AUSTRIA

AUT

HUNGARY

CANADA

CAN

ITALY

COLOMBIA CROATIA

ECUADOR FRANCE

SERBIA

CZE

SRB

SWEDEN

SWE

UNITED STATES

GER

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KAZ

SPAIN ESP

ECU

FRA

GERMANY

ITA

RUSSIAN TENNIS FEDERATION RTF

CRO

CZECH REPUBLIC

HUN

KAZAKHSTAN

COL

GBR

USA

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Three cities

MADRID

Matches from Groups A and B, 2 Quarter-finals, Semi-finals and Final

GROUP A

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GROUP B

SPAIN

CANADA

RTF

KAZAKHSTAN

ECUADOR

SWEDEN

INNSBRUCK Matches from groups C and F, Quarter-final between winners

TURIN Matches from groups D and E, Quarter-final between winners

GROUP D

GROUP C FRANCE GREAT BRITAIN

CROATIA

CZECH REP.

AUSTRALIA HUNGARY

GROUP F SERBIA

GROUP E

GERMANY

UNITED STATES

AUSTRIA

ITALY COLOMBIA

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Eleven days 25 26 27 28 th

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Madrid ESP

10:00 AM 4:00 PM

KAZ VS SWE

CAN VS KAZ

RTF VS ECU

ESP VS RTF

FRA VS GBR

GBR VS CZE

SRB VS GER

GER VS AUT

AUS VS HUN

CRO VS HUN

ITA VS COL

USA VS COL

Group Stage

CAN VS SWE Group Stage

ESP VS ECU Group Stage

Group Stage

Innsbruck AUT

10:00 AM 4:00 PM

Group Stage

FRA VS CZE Group Stage

SRB VS AUT Group Stage

Group Stage

Turin ITA

10:00 AM 4:00 PM

Group Stage

CRO VS AUS Group Stage

USA VS ITA Group Stage

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Group Stage

Group Stage Group Stage

Monday

4:00 PM Italy QUARTER-FINAL

Wednesday

nd 4:00 PM

Madrid QUARTER-FINAL

Thursday

Winner Group B vs Second Best 1 or 2

Friday

Madrid SEMI-FINAL

Saturday

Sunday

Madrid QUARTER-FINAL Winner Group A vs Second Best 1 or 2

4:00 PM

Bottom Half

Group Winners C vs F

4:00 PM

4:00 PM Austria QUARTER-FINAL

Tuesday

Group Winners D vs E

1:00 PM Madrid SEMI-FINAL Top Half

4:00 PM Madrid FINAL

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One world champion QUARTER-FINALS

SEMI-FINALS

1 Winner Group A Best or second best runner-up

Winner Group C Winner Group F

1 Winner Group E 1 Winner Group D

Best or second best runner-up Winner Group B

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Write the winners in the gaps as the tournament progresses!

FINAL

WORLD CHAMPIONS

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Davis Cup Ranking #01

#03

CROATIA 1349.5 points

SPAIN 914.81 points

#04

#05

#06

BELGIUM 647.63 points

USA 603.32 points

CANADA 481.63 points

#07

#08

#09

#10

SERBIA 465.13 points

GERMANY 424.19 points

ITALY 423.26 points

GREAT BRITAIN 417.5 points

#11

#12

#13

#14

#15

AUSTRALIA 417.13 p.

KAZAKHSTAN 367.25 p.

RUSSIA 340.13 p.

SWEDEN 322.13 p.

ARGENTINA 322 p.

#16

#17

#18

#19

#20

AUSTRIA 319.69 p.

JAPAN 305.63 p.

CZECH REP. 301.38 p.

COLOMBIA 294.25 p.

NETHERLANDS 278.56 p.

#21

#22

#23

#24

#25

CHILE 250.31 p.

INDIA 243.44 p.

HUNGARY 238.75 p.

ECUADOR 237.94 p.

UZBEKISTAN 230.94 p.

#26

#27

#28

#25

BRAZIL 227.5 p.

KOREA, REP. 220.88 p.

PORTUGAL 205.5 p.

#29= BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 202.5 p.

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SLOVAKIA 202.5 p.

21-29TH

#02

11-20TH

TOP 10

FRANCE 1364.5 points

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Two years on from the last Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals, the event is back, with 11 days of tennis being watched by fans in three stadiums, and a worldwide television and digital audience. How does that feel?

INTERVIEW WITH DAVID HAGGERTY PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL TENNIS FEDERATION

I think it makes the excitement for this event even greater. The Davis Cup Finals are always a crown jewel in the tennis calendar, and they will feel even more special this year. The Davis Cup competition, for the first time in its 121-year history, has taken place across two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of being the culmination of a yearlong event, this is in fact the finale of 2020 and 2021.

Davis Cup has a unique role in international tennis and there is nothing quite like it

What are you looking forward to most? We have the thrilling prospect of seeing who can challenge reigning world champions Spain and lift the iconic Davis Cup. Many of the players taking part in the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals competed behind their flag at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics this summer and experienced the unique and special feeling of representing their country in the quest for a medal. They come to this event eager for national glory and excited to reconnect with their team as the best nations in the world go to battle in the world cup of tennis. Not only that, we will have fans cheering them on in the stands. As we have seen over decades, the fans set Davis Cup apart and inspire teams to new heights. Our fans have the ability to lift their players to a higher level in pursuit of victory for their country. They played a vital part in the success of the inaugural Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals in 2019.

David Haggerty

The 2019 Finals in Madrid marked the start of a new era and a new format for the Davis Cup competition. Has anything changed since then? 2019 was a wonderful start for the new era, with Spain winning in front of a delighted home crowd. It was a great foundation for our vision for the future of the world’s oldest and largest annual international team event, but innovations have continued.

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For 2021 we have three host cities, with Innsbruck and Turin joining Madrid to stage the Group Stage and quarter-finals, before the remaining four nations converge in Spain’s capital. We have added extra days to make a better schedule for players and are able to bring the Davis Cup Finals to new fans across three countries. We want to spread the excitement of the pinnacle of this special team competition and bring it to the large audience it deserves. What about the rest of the competition? Davis Cup by Rakuten is about more than the elite 18 teams battling here to lift the trophy. It is also the story of all 142 nations who have taken part across six continents in this historic, global competition that spans four further levels of competition.

Since the Qualifiers took place last March, more than 120 Davis Cup ties have been held around the world. At every tie, players take pride in competing for something bigger than themselves, representing their country with the dream of their nation progressing from regional to World Group and on to the Qualifiers. Often, Davis Cup gives nations their sole chance to play, and their fans to watch, international tennis. Davis Cup is a vital tool for developing our sport in those countries and delivering tennis for future generations. Davis Cup by Rakuten has a unique role in international tennis and there is nothing quite like it. We hope everyone watching this week enjoys it as much as we do.

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Every year, the Davis Cup provides us with spectacular moments. What moment do you think we will look back on in this year’s edition?

INTERVIEW WITH GERARD PIQUÉ KOSMOS’ FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

Without doubt, it will be a very, very special edition, full of significance; mainly because it marks the return of the competition’s final stage; the title race. In 2020, we were forced to cancel the competition due to the global pandemic, Covid-19, which complicated things and was very tough to take. The year prior was a dream come true and 18 teams were able to participate in, and enjoy, the 2019 finals with a completely new format. 2020 was meant to be a year of consolidation with regard to this new format, for both the teams and the fans.

It will be a very, very special edition, full of significance

Also, the event generated a huge amount of interest in the worldwide media and amongst our sponsors. In 2020, everything was set to continue smoothly and keep improving with this new format. We had already planned some improvements that we will now implement. All of this, as well as the excitement of a certain return to normality, will make the 2021 finals very special and also very emotional. W hat specific improvements have been implemented? From the moment the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals in 2019 was over, we got straight to work on what we could do to improve the competition. The first edition, as is always the case, allows you to learn and experience a lot of things and our aim, at Kosmos Tennis, together with the International Tennis Federation (ITF), was to make the most of what we learnt.

Gerard Piqué

So, we decided to focus on two aspects: bringing the competition to more local audiences and spacing out the days so that we could play one tie per day starting earlier

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and thus avoiding excessively long days. This year, the finals will last 11 days instead of seven and the Group Stage will take place in three European cities: Madrid, Innsbruck and Turin. Our objective is to improve year upon year. Madrid will once again host the final and, of course, the support of both the Region of Madrid, as well as the City Council, has been key to allowing the finals to take place in the Spanish capital. And looking towards 2022, will the improvements continue?

us to go from 18 teams to 16 teams for the 2022 finals. This will allow us to make the competition a little simpler for the fans, as there will be four groups of four teams, instead of six groups of three, and the top two teams from each group will be the ones that reach the quarter-final stages. We will continue to be committed to this premium event with an enormous international trajectory and we are convinced that we are giving the Davis Cup the position it deserves as one of the biggest events on the world stage.

That’s right. Together with the ITF, we have already drawn up the sporting plan and assessed the regulations that will allow

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05:02 12/

S M A TE S M A E T S M A TE S M A TE S M A E T S M A E The Teams

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S S S S S S

The Teams Eighteen teams will compete in the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals – the best tennis nations in the world. Among them are 12 title winners and five debutants. In a tournament where anything can happen, the only thing that can be predicted is a feast of top-quality tennis.

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GROUP

SPAIN RUSSIAN TENNIS FEDERATION ECUADOR

The Spanish and Russians go all out Reigning champions Spain will once again face off in the Group Stage against the Russian Tennis Federation, led by the impressive Daniil Medvedev. This time they are joined by Ecuador in what promises to be an explosive and exciting contest. Only one team can progress directly to the quarter-finals and the fight will be led by an inspiring new generation of players.

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SPAIN TITLE DEFENDERS The Spanish team are in Madrid to defend the title they won in 2019. Without the experience and undisputed leadership of the injured Rafael Nadal, they will be relying on the talent of top players including Roberto Bautista, Pablo Carreño, Feliciano López and up-and-coming star Carlos Alcaraz. Spain are bidding for their seventh Davis Cup title. Former world No. 1 Nadal was crucial in the 2019 victory, sealing the title with a 63, 76(7) win over Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in what the Spaniard later described as “an unforgettable week”. Spain’s victory was capped off by an even more poignant story: Roberto Bautista left the team to be at his family home for his father’s last moments, before returning to Madrid to lend his support in the Final. In 2021, they will face a challenging Group Stage, coming up against the Russian Tennis Federation team and Ecuador. Spain are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but fans can still expect a competitive tournament from a committed team that includes two-time Roland-Garros champion Sergi Bruguera on the sidelines.

PABLO CARREÑO

ROBERTO BAUTISTA

CAPTAIN: SERGI BRUGUERA TEAM NOMINEES: CARLOS ALCARAZ FELICIANO LÓPEZ

MARCEL GRANOLLERS

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RUSSIAN TENNIS FEDERATION UNLIMITED POTENTIAL The Russian team, made up of just Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov made it to the semi-finals in 2019. Now, with the added skills of world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev and Aslan Karatsev, in the world top 20, who knows how far they can go? In 2019, Rublev and Khachanov fought past Novak Djokovic and Viktor Troicki to secure their place in the semi-finals against Canada, but Vasek Pospisil and Denis Shapovalov proved too strong for them, bringing their Davis Cup journey to an end. But 2021 could see a different outcome: Medvedev has continued to amass titles, including the US Open in 2021; Rublev has added six ATP titles since 2019, including wins over Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas; and Khachanov reached the Tokyo 2020 Olympic final. Aslan Karatsev, who has been moving steadily up the rankings including victories over Djokovic in Belgrade, will be in the Finals for the first time.

DANIIL MEDVEDEV

ANDREY RUBLEV

CAPTAIN: SHAMIL TARPISCHEV TEAM NOMINEES: ASLAN KARATSEV KAREN KHACHANOV

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EVGENY DONSKOY

ECUADOR SURPRISE VICTORS Ecuador’s victory over Japan in the Davis Cup by Rakuten Qualifiers was one of the great surprises of the tournament. It was their best result in the competition since 1985. However, with only one player - Emilio Gómez - ranked in the top 200, can they go further? The withdrawal from the Qualifiers of top players Kei Nishikori and Yoshihito Nishioka evened up the tie with Japan and Raúl Viver’s men took full advantage, Ecuador winning 3-0 and securing their place in the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals. “The situation with no fans helped us. It was weird, different, to play in a stadium without spectators, and I think that it evened up the tie,” said Viver. But now his men must face defending champions Spain and 2019 semi-finalists RTF in Group A. Ecuador’s fighting spirit will have to be on full display when they come up against the giants. “In the Davis Cup, the rankings don’t matter as much. It comes down to small margins”, said Gonzalo Escobar following the tie against Japan. Don’t write them off just yet.

EMILIO GÓMEZ

ROBERTO QUIROZ

CAPTAIN: RAÚL VIVER TEAM NOMINEES: DIEGO HIDALGO GONZALO ESCOBAR

CAYETANO MARCH

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GROUP

CANADA KAZAKHSTAN SWEDEN

Danger ahead for Canada? Canada narrowly lost the final in 2019, but now they face Kazakhstan and Sweden in Group B. They may be the top seeds as a team bursting with talent, but Kazakhstan are always a tough opponent, and the Swedish side are now led by former world No. 4 Robin Soderling. Canada won’t have it all their own way.

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CANADA A TOUGH CHALLENGE After their first semi-final in 1913, Canada took a whole century to make it that far again. And then, in 2019, they reached the final for the first time, where the young team took on Spain under the guidance of captain Frank Dancevic. With the last-minute withdrawal of his top two players – Dennis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime – Dancevic will have a challenge on his hands as he attempts to repeat that performance. “We know that Felix and Denis have always made the Davis Cup one of their top priorities since the beginning of their professional careers, and even before that since they had won the Junior Davis Cup for Canada in 2015,” he said. Dancevic will, however, be able to rely on the steady hand of 31-yearold Vasek Pospisil, who made such an impact in that impressive run in 2019, beating players including Fabio Fognini and Reilly Opelka and partnering with Shapovalov to take Canada through to the final. The former world No. 25 is an experienced doubles player, with seven ATP titles, the most recent in Marseille last year. Alongside team members Brayden Schnur and Peter Polanksy, Dancevic has added 30-year-old Stephen Diez, who makes his second Davis Cup appearance.

VASEK POSPISIL

CAPTAIN: FRANK DANCEVIC TEAM NOMINEES: BRAYDEN SCHNUR STEVEN DIEZ

PETER POLANSKY

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KAZAKHSTAN CONSISTENTLY STRONG Kazakhstan have turned Nur-Sultan into a fortress, winning 12 of their last 13 qualifying rounds. But they’re dangerous away from home too, with Alexander Bublik inside the world top 40, and Mikhail Kukushkin, who has competed in nearly 50 Davis Cup matches. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan firmly established itself among the world tennis elite. At only 24, Bublik is Kazakhstan’s top player. In 2021, he managed wins over opponents including Matteo Berrettini in Antalya and Alexander Zverev in Rotterdam. Although just 33, Kukushkin’s experience makes it seem like he's a player who has been around for a long time, and so he has. He turned pro in 2006, and while his only ATP title came in 2010 in St Petersburg, he was a finalist in Marseille in 2019. New captain Yuriy Schukin is looking forward to the challenge ahead: “It’s very important to be in the Finals again in Madrid and I just can’t wait to go out there with the team and do our best.”

ALEXANDER BUBLIK

MIKHAIL KUKUSHKIN

CAPTAIN: YURIY SCHUKIN TEAM NOMINEES: DMITRY POPKO ALEKSANDR NEDOVYESOV

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ANDREY GOLUBEV

SWEDEN THE COMEBACK OF A CLASSIC Sweden’s win over Chile in the Qualifiers brought one of the great Davis Cup nations back to the top level of the competition. Dominant in the 1980s and 90s, new captain Robin Soderling, former world No. 4, is hoping to get Sweden back to its winning ways. Sweden’s first Davis Cup title was in 1975, thanks to the legendary Bjorn Borg, who still holds one of the best winning streaks in the competition with a total of 33 wins between 1973 and 1980. In the years that followed, the nation gained another six titles and were runners-up in five finals, making them the fifth most successful team of all time. Despite not qualifying for the Finals in 2019, the 2020 Qualifiers in Chile proved a turning point with two singles wins for young Mikael Ymer and a doubles win for the experienced specialists Robert Lindstedt and Markus Eriksson. With Ymer’s older brother, Elias, lower down the rankings following injury, but still a promising talent, Soderling will be confident of a team that can cause problems for Canada and Kazakhstan.

MIKAEL YMER

CAPTAIN: ROBIN SODERLING TEAM NOMINEES: ELIAS YMER JONATHAN MRIDHA

ANDRÉ GÖRANSSON

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GROUP

FRANCE GREAT BRITAIN CZECH REPUBLIC

Total balance, total passion Between them, France, Great Britain and the Czech Republic hold 23 Davis Cup titles. In a group that boasts such a successful history, the fight for the one guaranteed place in the quarter-finals is going to be tough. Nothing can be predicted in Group C.

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FRANCE A MUCH-NEEDED RETURN France took the title in 2017 and reached the final in 2018, but failed to make it beyond the Group Stage in 2019. They were awarded a wild card for the Finals 2021 meaning that Sébastien Grosjean’s men didn’t have to make it through the Qualifiers. With nine players in the top 100, the captain has plenty of talent at his disposal. The majority of the French players at the top of the rankings are experienced and well-established on the Tour. This year, Grosjean has several younger players to choose from too, and rising star Arthur Rinderknech will be lead the team alongside the experienced Richard Gasquet. France will also come equipped with their secret weapon, PierreHugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut in the doubles. The pair took the title at Roland-Garros, beating Alexander Bublik and Andrey Golubev of Kazakhstan, before winning at Queen’s where they defeated USA’s Reilly Opelka and Australia’s Jonathan Peers. As captain, Grosjean is well aware of the unpredictability and emotion of the Davis Cup. The former world No. 4 has played in the competition 17 times, including lifting the trophy for France in 2001.

CAPTAIN: SÉBASTIEN GROSJEAN TEAM NOMINEES*: ARTHUR RINDERKNECH ADRIAN MANNARINO HUGO GASTON RICHARD GASQUET NICOLAS MAHUT PIERRE-HUGUES HERBERT *THE TEAM WILL HAVE TO SELECT THE FINAL FIVE PLAYERS THE DAY BEFORE COMPETITION STARTS.

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GREAT BRITAIN STRENGTH IN DEPTH Like France, Great Britain has a pool of players to choose from, and their performance in 2019 – falling only in the semi-finals to eventual champions Spain – proved that the team is about so much more than just Andy Murray. With some impressive recent results and one of the best doubles pairings in the world, their opponents will be taking note. Great Britain first won the Davis Cup in 1903, and have triumphed a further nine times since then, most recently in 2015 when captain Leon Smith’s team of Kyle Edmund, Andy Murray and Jamie Murray defeated Belgium in the final. In 2021, the team will be led by Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans, both in the top 30. Norrie (aged 26) has proved to be one of the most dangerous players in the second half of 2021, with victories over Denis Shapovalov, Andrey Rublev, Roberto Bautista and Grigor Dimitrov, and having also claimed the Indian Wells title in October. Evans has had a successful 2021, including wins over Novak Djokovic and David Goffin, after getting his hands on his first Tour title in Melbourne.

CAMERON NORRIE

CAPTAIN: LEON SMITH TEAM NOMINEES: DANIEL EVANS JOE SALISBURY

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NEAL SKUPSKI

LIAM BROADY

CZECH REPUBLIC A STRONG TENNIS TRADITION Jaroslav Navratil’s men were missing from the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals in 2019, but have a long history in the competition with wins in 2012 and 2013, as well as victory in 1980 as Czechoslovakia. They were also runners-up in 1975 and 2009. The Czech Republic played neighbouring Slovakia in the 2020 Qualifiers and put in a commanding performance to take the tie 3-1 and book their ticket to Madrid, a trip they missed out on in 2019 having lost to Netherlands in the Qualifiers that year. Jiri Vesely is the only Czech player currently in the top 100. Navratil, who has been in the captain's role since 2006, has been looking to a new generation of Czech players, such as 20-year-old Jiri Lehecka, following the retirement of former top-10 veterans Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek, who featured in that backto-back winning team in 2012 and 2013. Former world No. 26 Lukas Rosol, a member of those 2012 and 2013 campaigns, continues to be a presence.

JIRI VESELY

CAPTAIN: JAROSLAV NAVRATIL TEAM NOMINEES: TOMAS MACHAC ZDENEK KOLAR JIRI LEHECKA

LUKAS ROSOL

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GROUP

CROATIA AUSTRALIA HUNGARY

An exciting battle Group D in Turin pits Davis Cup veterans Australia, with 28 titles, against Croatia, who have two, as both nations hope to rediscover past glories. Added to the mix is debutant Hungary who, with nothing to lose, could be exceptionally dangerous. Exciting clashes between Marin Cilic, Alex de Minaur and Marton Fucsovics are on the cards.

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CROATIA READY FOR TITLE NO. THREE? Croatia won the Davis Cup in 2005, and then again in 2018, with Marin Cilic leading the quintet of players that defeated France in the final. With Olympic medals round their necks, they’ve shown that they have what it takes to win a third title as long as they can get past Lleyton Hewitt’s Australia and a Hungarian team keen to make their mark. Croatia come into the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals following their extraordinary performance at Tokyo 2020 where they took the gold and silver medals in the men’s doubles. Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic beat Marin Cilic and Ivan Dodig in the Olympic final in a definitive testament to the quality of Croatian tennis. Former world No. 3 Cilic was forced to miss the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals 2019 due to injury. Now fully fit, as he showed with a win just a few weeks ago in St. Petersburg, he’ll add an immeasurable boost to the team led by new captain Vedran Martic. Borna Coric has slipped in the rankings following injury, having reached world No. 12 in November 2018. But if he finds his form, he could still be dangerous.

MARIN CILIC

CAPTAIN: VEDRAN MARTIC TEAM NOMINEES: BORNA CORIC BORNA GOJO NIKOLA MEKTIC

MATE PAVIC

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AUSTRALIA A GREAT CONTENDER Australia suffered a blow in the 2019 Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals when they lost to Canada in the quarter-finals, with Alex de Minaur’s defeat of Denis Shapovalov the team’s only win of the tie. Lleyton Hewitt’s men will be looking to do better in 2021. Neither of their big name players, Nick Kyrgios or de Minaur, were playing in the team’s Qualifier in Adelaide against Brazil, which Hewitt described as “an epic Davis Cup encounter”. Jordan Thompson and John Millman put Australia ahead in the singles, before Brazil fought back in the doubles leaving Millman to take the decisive singles win to send the Australians to the Finals. De Minaur is Australia's leading player for 2021: “I'm going to have to bring my A-game for sure. Get ready for a war, get ready for a battle and leave it all out there.” With Millman, Alexei Popyrin, John Peers and Alex Bolt also in the team, the experienced Hewitt will have some tough choices. The former world No. 1 and two-time Davis Cup winner will undoubtedly make Australia a team to watch out for.

ALEX DE MINAUR

CAPTAIN: LLEYTON HEWITT TEAM NOMINEES: JOHN MILLMAN ALEXEI POPYRIN

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JOHN PEERS

ALEX BOLT

HUNGARY A TOUGH OPPONENT Hungary hosted Belgium in the 2020 Qualifiers and, with the combined force of just two players, pulled off a surprise win over the three-time Davis Cup runners-up. “I’m the happiest person in the world right now,” Marton Fucsovics said afterwards. “This is a huge achievement for my career and for my country to get to the Finals. I can’t wait.” Fucsovics is Hungary’s only player in the top 100 (#40), booking his nation’s place in the Finals with his heroics at the Qualifiers alongside countryman Attila Balazs. Since then, he has risen up the rankings, this year beating Diego Schwartzmann and Andrey Rublev to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals. Close to entering the top 100, Balasz has made some inroads into the Challenger Tour but hasn’t featured much this season due to injury. Despite having one of the longest histories in the Davis Cup, Hungary have now gone further in the competition than ever before, so they have little to lose. They could prove very dangerous for Australia and Croatia.

MARTON FUCSOVICS

CAPTAIN: GABOR KÖVES TEAM NOMINEES: ATTILA BALAZS ZSOMBOR PIROS

FABIAN MAROZSAN

MATE VALKUSZ

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GROUP

UNITED STATES ITALY COLOMBIA

Italy, more than a strong contender The USA are the top seeds of the group and have a wealth of players to choose from. However, Italy have nine currently ranked in the top 100 including top-10 players Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner. And then there’s Colombia, who with Robert Farah and Juan Sebastián Cabal have one of the best doubles pairings in the world. The battle in Turin will be one to remember.

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UNITED STATES THE GREATEST CHAMPIONS IN HISTORY The United States have won more Davis Cup titles than any other nation in the 120-year history of the competition, with no fewer than 32. But since the retirement of the Bryan brothers, captain Mardy Fish has had some new choices to make. The American side consists of a mix of young hopefuls, including Reilly Opelka and Taylor Fritz, as well as tried and tested veterans such as John Isner, who took the title this year in Atlanta, aged 36. In 2019, despite strong performances from Sam Querrey and Jack Sock in the doubles, the USA finished behind group winners Canada and missed out on the chance to take another title. At the Qualifiers in 2020 they assured their Finals place once more with a 4-0 win over Uzbekistan. They may have avoided 2019 finalists Canada this year, but they face Italy again who, alongside Colombia, stand between them and a place in the quarter-finals. The USA still have a battle on their hands.

REILLY OPELKA

CAPTAIN: MARDY FISH TEAM NOMINEES: JOHN ISNER TAYLOR FRITZ JACK SOCK

RAJEEV RAM

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ITALY READY TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING BIG Italy’s only Davis Cup title was in 1976, and so the team will be looking to put that right. With big names and young talent at his disposal, captain Filippo Volandri will hope to make his mark in Group E against the United States and Colombia. Queen’s Club champion and Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini is without doubt the star player, but Fabio Fognini is always a fan favourite. At 34, the former world No. 9 is still very much a contender, having played in the final of the ATP Cup in Melbourne and the quarter-finals of the Australian Open this year. Italy will also bring to the table a new star at just 20 years old: Jannik Sinner, who is already in the world top 10, having won four titles in 2021 already. Italy’s goal may not be so far away this year, and no one doubts they are one of the contenders for the title. A tough battle awaits them in Turin, however, against the United States and Colombia.

MATTEO BERRETTINI

CAPTAIN: FILIPPO VOLANDRI TEAM NOMINEES: JANNIK SINNER LORENZO SONEGO

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FABIO FOGNINI

LORENZO MUSETTI

COLOMBIA UP WITH THE BEST AGAIN Colombia may have only one singles player ranked in the top 200, but they have one of the best doubles pairings in the world in Robert Farah and Juan Sebastián Cabal. Despite their doubles strength, they will face a tough task against the United States and Italy. Colombia first played in the Davis Cup in 1959, but they have never won a title. Even so, captain Alejandro Falla is a veteran of the competition, having played in a total of 27 Davis Cup ties. Their Qualifiers tie in 2020 was a historic occasion. At home in Bogota, the quartet took on Argentina in one of the most thrilling ties of that Davis Cup by Rakuten Qualifiers weekend. This was Colombia’s first victory over the South American tennis giants. However, six months later, Santiago Giraldo, their biggest star in recent years, announced his retirement. They may be the underdogs in a strong group, but the Colombians have proved that they have a fighting spirit when it counts.

DANIEL GALÁN

NICOLÁS MEJÍA

CAPTAIN: ALEJANDRO FALLA TEAM NOMINEES: JUAN SEBASTIÁN CABAL ROBERT FARAH

CRISTIAN RODRÍGUEZ

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GROUP

SERBIA GERMANY AUSTRIA

An explosive combination Tennis fans wanting to watch the best in the world will be in for a treat in Innsbruck. Serbia, with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, take on Germany and Austria. It’s a chance to see three great tennis nations fighting it out for a place in the quarter-finals. Tune in for a spectacular showdown.

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SERBIA HUNGRY FOR A SECOND TITLE Get ready to enjoy watching world No. 1 Novak Djokovic as he fights for his native Serbia. He already knows how it feels to lift the trophy, having helped his country in 2010 to secure its only Davis Cup title. With his leadership, talent and experience, along with the help of several players in the top 100, Serbia are strong contenders for another title. In 2019, under the watchful eye of captain Nenad Zimonjic, Djokovic was joined by Filip Krajinovic, Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki as they topped their group against France and Japan. They fell to RTF in the quarter-finals in a dramatic tie-break in the third set of the doubles. Djokovic is now the only player from that 2010 title-winning Serbia team still active competitively, but Troicki - as new captain- has the luxury of four other players in the top 100 with some impressive victories this year, from Krajinovic and Lajovic. If they can get through a tough Group F, they have a real shot at the title.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

CAPTAIN: VIKTOR TROICKI TEAM NOMINEES: FILIP KRAJINOVIC DUSAN LAJOVIC LASLO DJERE

MIOMIR KECMANOVIC

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GERMANY NEVER AN EASY RIDE Germany may be without their top player, Alexander Zverev, but they are still a side to be wary of. They finished top of their group in 2019 and a mixture of youth and experience gives them a strong chance in 2021. Captain Michael Kohlmann is relying on the experience of Davis Cup veteran Jan-Lennard Struff as his main player. The 31-year-old beat Russian Daniil Medvedev at Halle in June this year, and just before that made it to the final 16 at Roland-Garros, dispatching Medvedev’s compatriot Andrey Rublev in the first round. In the doubles, Germany can also count on the talented Kevin Krawietz, who has reached three finals this season. Germany also have Dominik Koepfer at their disposal, who sits just outside the top 50, and who boasts wins over Andy Murray and Felix Auger-Aliassime just a few weeks ago in Paris.

JAN-LENNARD STRUFF

CAPTAIN: MICHAEL KOHLMANN TEAM NOMINEES: DOMINIK KOEPFER PETER GOJOWCZYK

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KEVIN KRAWIETZ

TIM PUETZ

AUSTRIA FACING A BIG CHALLENGE Austrian fans received disappointing news in August with the announcement that the wrist injury of star player Dominic Thiem was going to keep him off court for the rest of the season. With Serbia and Germany to face in Group F, captain Stefan Koubek will have a challenge on his hands. In 2019, the Austrians were knocked out of the Qualifiers by Chile, but in 2020, they booked their place in the Finals with a 3–1 win at home over Uruguay. In the absence of Thiem, Dennis Novak and Jurij Rodionov are the ones leading the team, which includes doubles specialist Oliver Marach. Austria has never won the Davis Cup, and there is no question about it: without Thiem, the challenge will be tougher. But they will have a home crowd behind them in Innsbruck for the Group Stage and no one doubts their passion and determination. In this competition anything can happen.

DENNIS NOVAK

JURIJ RODIONOV

CAPTAIN: STEFAN KOUBEK TEAM NOMINEES: GERALD MELZER OLIVER MARACH

PHILIPP OSWALD

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Numbers and statistics 11

PLAYERS WHO HAVE WON AT LEAST ONE DAVIS CUP TITLE DURING THEIR CAREERS

PLAYERS

Roberto BAUTISTA (ESP) Pablo CARREÑO (ESP) Marin CILIC (CRO) Borna CORIC (CRO) Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB) Richard GASQUET (FRA)

03 15

GRAND SLAM'S SINGLES CHAMPIONS Marin CILIC (CRO) Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB) Daniil MEVDEVEV (RTF)

GRAND SLAM'S DOUBLES CHAMPIONS Juan-Sebastián CABAL (COL) Robert FARAH (COL) Fabio FOGNINI (ITA) Pierre-Hugues HERBERT (FRA) Kevin KRAWIETZ (GER) Feliciano LÓPEZ (ESP) Nicolas MAHUT (FRA) Oliver MARACH (AUT)

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Marcel GRANOLLERS (ESP) Pierre-Hugues HERBERT (FRA) Feliciano LOPEZ (ESP) Mate PAVIC (CRO) Lukas ROSOL (CZE)

Nikola MEKTIC (CRO) Mate PAVIC (CRO) John PEERS (AUS) Vasek POSPISIL (CAN) Rajeev RAM (USA) Joe SALISBURY (GBR) Jack SOCK (USA)

PLAYERS WHO HAVE REPRESENTED THEIR NATION IN THE OLYMPICS 12 have won at least one medal Pablo CARREÑO (ESP) Marin CILIC (CRO) Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB) Richard GASQUET (FRA) Aslan KARATSEV (RTF) Karen KHACHANOV (RTF)

PLAYERS WHO HAVE WON AT LEAST ONE TOUR-LEVEL SINGLES TITLE IN 2021 Aslan KARATSEV (RTF) Daniil MEVDEVEV (RTF) Cameron NORRIE (GBR) Alexei POPYRIN (AUS) Andrey RUBLEV (RTF) Janik SINNER (ITA) Lorenzo SONEGO (ITA)

PLAYERS

Carlos ALCARAZ (ESP) Matteo BERRETTINI (ITA) Pablo CARREÑO (ESP) Marin CILIC (CRO) Alex DE MINAUR (AUS) Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB) Daniel EVANS (GBR) John ISNER (USA)

Mate PAVIC (CRO) John PEERS (AUS) Nikola MEKTIC (CRO) Rajeev RAM (USA) Andrey RUBLEV (RTF) Jack SOCK (USA)

PLAYERS WHO HAVE WON AT LEAST ONE TOUR-LEVEL DOUBLES TITLE IN 2021 Juan-Sebastián CABAL (COL) Gonzalo ESCOBAR (ECU) Robert FARAH (COL) Marcel GRANOLLERS (ESP) Pierre-Hugues HERBERT (FRA) John ISNER (USA) Aslan KARATSEV (RTF) Kevin KRAWIETZ (GER) Nicolas MAHUT (FRA) Nikola MEKTIC (CRO) Reilly OPEIKA (USA)

Mate PAVIC (CRO) John PEERS (AUS) Tim PUETZ (GER) Rajeev RAM (USA) Andrey RUBLEV (RTF) Joe SALISBURY (GBR) Janik SINNER (ITA) Neal SKUPSKI (GBR) Jack SOCK (USA) Lorenzo SONEGO (ITA) ALL INFORMATION CORRECT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS (17TH NOVEMBER 2021).

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03 02 01

Only Shamil TARPISCHEV (RTF) and Leon SMITH (GBR) did not

CAPTAINS WHO WON AT LEAST ONE DAVIS CUP TITLE AS PLAYERS Sébastien GROSJEAN (FRA) Lleyton HEWITT (AUS) Viktor TROICKI (SRB)

CAPTAINS WHO HAVE WON AT LEAST ONE DAVIS CUP TITLE AS CAPTAINS Sergi BRUGUERA (ESP) Leon SMITH (GBR) Shamil TARPISCHEV (RTF)

CAPTAINS WHO WON AT LEAST ONE GRAND SLAM SINGLES TITLE Sergi BRUGUERA (ESP) Lleyton HEWITT (AUS)

CAPTAIN WHO WON AT LEAST ONE GRAND SLAM DOUBLES TITLE Lleyton HEWITT (AUS)

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CAPTAINS

CAPTAINS WHO COMPETED IN DAVIS CUP AS PLAYERS

ROLEX

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DAVIS CUP ALL-TIME WINNERS

UNITED STATES

AUSTRALIA GREAT BRITAIN

FRANCE

10 7

SWEDEN

SPAIN GERMANY

CZECH REP.

RUSSIA

CROATIA

ITALY

ARGENTINA

SWITZERLAND

SERBIA

SOUTH AFRICA

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LEXUS

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S E O R HE S E O R HE S E O R HE S E O R HE S E O R HE S E O R HE The Heroes

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S S S S S S

The Heroes From Grand Slam winners and experienced hands to fresh young faces and exciting new talent, each team has its heroes. But don’t forget the captains who lead them: some are veterans of many campaigns while others are fresh to the battlefield. Their guidance and strategy will be crucial.

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Best fighters are back! The Davis Cup is back History books show that little is certain in Davis Cup tennis. For years, eyebrows have been raised and heads scratched when analysing results and scorelines from the famous team competition.

ankings and reputations can count for not hing. The most self-assured have been known to crumble. Established Davis Cup stars line up alongside some of the most exciting young names in tennis as 18 teams lock horns over 11 days of competition across three venues. What is in little doubt is that fans with tickets to one of the three Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals 2021 venues - and a global TV audience of millions - can look forward to more gripping, wildly unpredictable tennis featuring some of the biggest names in the sport.

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For the first time, action across the six groups will be spread across three cities - Madrid, Innsbruck and Turin - before quarter-final and semi-final knock-out stages precede the title decider in Madrid on Sunday December 5. Eighteen teams combining to produce a potential 75 matches concertinaed into 11 days of nerve-shattering tennis. Each of those three venues initially stages two groups each - six teams in total - and in the Spanish capital all eyes will be on the hosts and 2019 defending champions as they bid to keep the famous trophy on home soil. This year’s Spanish team, led by captain and double Roland-Garros champion Sergi Bruguera, is a microcosm of the list of players lined up to represent the 18 na-

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tions battling to be crowned 2021 World Champions. Although this time without their talisman Rafael Nadal, Bruguera can pick from a squad that boasts experience and youth, a theme that runs through the competition’s team nominations. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, recent US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, 2014 US Open winner Marin Cilic from Croatia and this year’s Italian Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini will hope to play a leading role for their respective nations. A host of players that have established themselves towards the top of the rankings such as Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov, Cameron Norrie, Daniel Evans, Roberto Bautista, Pablo Carreño, Taylor Fritz, John Isner and Fabio Fognini could certainly be influential.

UNICREDIT

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And the event is bursting with emerging talent too, stars that have enjoyed breakthrough seasons on the ATP Tour like Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, Italians Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, American Reilly Opelka, Frenchman Hugo Gaston and this year’s surprise Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev from Russia.

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Local heroes Back to the Spaniards, and the warmest welcome inside the Madrid Arena - former home to the city’s ATP Masters 1000 tournament before it moved to the clay of La Caja Mágica in 2009 - will surely be reserved for Bautista. The 33-year-old provided one of the most tragic, memorable and yet inspirational stories in Davis Cup history when the event was last staged in 2019, playing his part with a precious singles victory as the hosts beat Canada in the final just 24 hours after leaving to attend his father’s funeral.

It was a period of events that touched the hearts of all sports fans, as ‘RBA’ came to terms with his father’s death and then somehow - found the strength of character to beat Auger-Aliassime as Spain swept aside the Canadians 2-0 for the trophy. Bautista will be joined by Davis Cup regular and former top 10 player Carreño and a rising star of Spanish tennis who is ready to grasp the baton from those such as Nadal, Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco who are approaching the later stages of glittering careers. Eighteen-year-old Alcaraz has flown up the world rankings in 2021 and is in the team, willing and highly capable of helping if Bruguera came calling.

Guided by former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz has long been touted as a future world No. 1 and his progress over the last 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable. The powerful right-hander - look out for his sledgehammer forehand - began the year well outside the world’s top 100, but 11 months on can look back on a first singles title in Umag in July and a memorable deciding tiebreak victory over then-world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open as two of his many highlights in 2021. The teenager is now very much installed inside the world’s top 40. It will be fascinating to see which nation emerges as winners from Group A with a strong Russian squad waiting to spoil the party. Captain Shamil Tarpishchev could be in the enviable position of having one of the strongest groups of players at his disposal if the newest Grand Slam champion in men’s tennis Medvedev, established top ten star Rublev, 2021 Olympic silver medallist Khachanov and two-time ATP title winner this year Karatsev are all fit and healthy. Last time around - without Medvedev the Russians enjoyed a run to the semi-finals and edged past a Djokovic-led Serbian team when Rublev and Khachanov combined to beat the world No. 1 and his partner Viktor Troicki in a deciding tiebreak of the deciding doubles match. Ask Rublev to describe what it’s like to experience that kind of occasion - the 24-year-old delivered the final unreturned serve that converted match point - and you start to understand the significance of shouldering the expectations of a nation. “These are emotions that you’re never going to find anywhere else.” Rublev said. “These emotions are why we’re playing tennis. That's why we train – to feel those moments. It is a game that I am sure will

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The French team that will lock horns with the British in Group C will be another group brimming with talent, although captain Sébastien Grosjean has needed to be patient and flexible after some late changes to his squad. With his two highest ranked stars - Gael Monfils and Ugo Humbert both unavailable, Grosjean will choose his singles players from either veteran Richard Gasquet, Adrian Mannarino, youngster Gaston or big-serving 26-year-old Arthur Rinderknech.

remain forever as part of our memories. It will be part of our history even in 20 or 30 years.” The Spanish fans will be spoiled with last year’s runners-up the Canadians also appearing at the Madrid Arena in Group B. This time, with Vasek Pospisil as No. 1 due to last-minute withdrawals of Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov, the challenge will be tough. "I think for an athlete in general any time that you represent your country it’s something so unique, so incredible. It’s such an honour, it’s such a unique event and experience and you really feel the electric atmosphere of the crowd and you feel the whole nation behind you, which is super special. In tennis it’s rare, it’s really just Davis Cup where you have that feeling. And the Olympics, once every four years, but Davis Cup is definitely a very different, unique, very special event.", said Pospisil.

I think for an athlete in general any time that you represent your country it’s something so unique, so incredible. It’s such an honour.

Grand Slam greats

Vasek Pospisil

On to the Austrian city of Innsbruck then, a venue that will boast year-end world No. 1 Djokovic who will be back to lead the Serbians in Group F. Djokovic won every one of his seven singles matches during Serbia’s title-winning run in 2010 and after claiming three Grand Slams in 2021 - and bringing his overall tally to 20 major singles titles - will hope to end his season in style with what would be his nation’s second Davis Cup success. The 34-year-old rediscovered his winning ways in dramatic fashion in Paris at the final ATP Masters event of the year when he beat world No. 2 Medvedev in three sets to land a record 37th title at that level. A day earlier he secured a record-breaking seventh year-end world No. 1 ranking, moving clear of his childhood idol Pete Sampras who ended his career with six.

If any of their ties go to the deciding doubles, confidence will be high with world class pair Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut on standby. Both were part of the squad that delivered the trophy for their nation as recently as 2017 and Herbert is another choice for the singles court if Grosjean needs options. The competition may be arriving at exactly the right time for 21-year-old Gaston who has jumped around 100 places in the rankings this season. The Toulouse-born lefty reached his first tour-level final on clay in Gstaad this summer as well as another four Challenger finals throughout the year, but saved his best tennis for home soil in Paris in November.

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JUVÉ I CAMPS

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The youngster used his variety of skills to bamboozle Kevin Anderson, Musetti, Rinderknech, Carreño and Alcaraz en route to the last eight at the Paris Masters, results that also earned him at spot at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan. The British will be led by recent Indian Wells champion Norrie, who has notched 50 ATP match wins this season and who now resides well inside the world’s top 15.

Forza Italia After a memorable year for Italian sport, locals will pack Turin’s Pala Alpitour - the recent venue for the ATP’s season-ending finals just prior to the Davis Cup - to get behind the super strong host nation in Group E. What a story it would be if the Italians could land their first Davis Cup trophy since 1976, and with new captain Filippo Volandri able to choose from a world-class list of players that includes Berrettini, Sinner and Fognini, a title-winning run is entirely possible. Berretttini has reached new heights in 2021, a season that saw him make his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, the quarter-finals in Paris and New York and a maiden Masters 1000 final on clay in Madrid. 20-year-old Sinner has also watched his ranking climb to inside the top ten in the last 12 months and won his biggest title in Washington at ATP 500 level this summer. Group E rivals the USA will be a handful however and will be led by another man who arrives in Turin on the back of a significant year, Fritz.

The 24-year-old is another in top form at the right time. The Californian journeyed to the semi-finals at Masters level in Indian Wells, reached the final in Moscow and will finish the year as the highest-ranked American. Fritz will be fighting for singles spots w ith another youngster, Opelk a, and veteran Isner. The 6ft 11in Opelka broke new ground with a run to his first Masters final in Toronto in the summer, before a journey to the last 16 at the US Open propelled him into the top 20 for the first time in his career. US captain Mardy Fish chose to add doubles specialists Jack Sock and Rajeev Ram, and if any of their ties go the distance that kind of quality on court will stand them in good stead. Turin’s Group D is another packed with familiar names as former Grand Slam champion Cilic leads the Croats, a team that will also feature red-hot players Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic, who won the Wimbledon title and Olympic gold medals during a purple patch in the summer. It will also be fantastic to see Borna Coric back competing for the first time since March after shoulder surgery. Croatia’s main challengers on paper are expected to be the Australians who will have Alex de Minaur available as their leading singles player. ◼

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Meet the Young Guns They've defeated some of the biggest names in tennis and won some of the biggest titles. They're young and are hungry for more success: meet the new generation.

ach new edition of the Davis Cup brings with it a fresh list of names that hope to re-write the future of tennis; and this year is no different. Every one of them with huge potential, every one of them carries the hopes of his nation. Read more about the brightest young stars of the Davis Cup. There's Carlos Alcaraz, the youngest of the group at just 18, but who is already being compared to his compatriot Rafael Nadal. Or Russian Daniil Mevdevev a Gran Slam winner and world No. 2 at just 25; or Italy's Lorenzo Musetti, who took two sets off Novak Djokovic at Roland-Garros. There is a host of talented tennis stars waiting in the wings.

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DANIIL MEDVEDEV Age: 25

ANDREY RUBLEV Age: 24

Despite the baby face, make no mistake, this youngster is a killer on the court. His nickname, ‘Bear’, may come from his surname deriving from ‘medved’, which means bear in several Slavic languages. However, it is backed up by his performances on the court. In his clashes, very few seem to escape unscathed, and as such, Daniil is the first world No. 2 not called Djokovic, Nadal, Federer or Murray since 2005. After his parents pushed him towards swimming from an early age, Medved's trajectory changed suddenly after seeing an advert for tennis classes. At nine years old, his desire to play the sport challenged his family’s initial hopes and his passion on court is what won him over in the public eye. Daniil has honed his technique in recent years, leaving behind the frenzied offensive approach of his youth, and focusing on developing his style. After losing the final of the 2019 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open, the 25-year-old won the US Open this year, stopping Djokovic from becoming the second player in history to win four Grand Slams in one year.

Born to a tennis coach mother and a former professional boxer father, sport always played a key role in Rublev’s upbringing. His first major accomplishment was reaching the quarterfinals of the 2017 US Open, but it wasn’t a straight road for the youngster. In 2018, he suffered a back injury, a year before suffering another in his right wrist, but he bounced back. At the beginning of 2020, Rublev enjoyed 11 straight wins, taking titles in Doha and Adelaide. Even after the setback that was Covid-19, Rublev couldn’t be stopped, breaking into the top 10 after a stunning performance at Roland-Garros in 2020 where he reached the quarter-finals. 2021 has seen Rublev defeat names including Federer, Nadal, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, Murray, Fognini and Bautista, among others, taking him to the world No. 5 spot. At just 16 years old, Rublev debuted in the Davis Cup back in 2014 and has now featured in 14 different knockout ties.

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Berrettini’s rise as a young tennis player has been emphatic. After beating Roberto Bautista at the 2018 Swiss Open in Gstaad, he won his first singles title, before winning the doubles title at the same competition alongside partner Daniele Bracciali. The following year, he was on the verge of entering the top 50. However, after reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open, Berretini made the rankings as world No. 8. “It all happened so quickly,” he said. “I realised that I had the level to test myself against the best in the world.” Expect a hungry Berrettini at this year’s Davis Cup. The 25-year-old became the first Italian finalist at Wimbledon in 2021, the first Grand Slam final of his career.

MATTEO BERRETTINI Age: 25

Despite his father pushing him towards tennis from an early age, Jannik Sinner was always more keen on sports such as skiing and football. He even won a national championship in giant slalom aged eight, as one of his country’s top junior skiers. At 13, Sinner dropped his skiing and football to pursue tennis, citing a desire to play an individual sport where you can stand opposite your opponent and compete face to face. Sport has clearly always been in the Italian’s veins. The youngster finished 2020 as the top teenager, two years after being unranked. Now, merely a year later, he is ranked as the No. 10 in the world, aged just 20. Tune in to watch the youngster participate in his first Davis Cup competition.

JANNIK SINNER Age: 20

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CAMERON NORRIE Age: 26

Cameron Norrie had the uneasy task of growing up, in the tennis world, in the shadow of Britain’s pride and joy, Andy Murray. Born in South Africa, the 25-year-old moved to New Zealand at the age of three, where his family still live. In 2011, aged 16, Norrie then moved to London for three years, before moving to Texas to train. Bor n to a Scot t ish fat her a nd a Welsh mot her, Norrie’s allegiance to Great Britain comes from blood rather than birthplace. After turning professional in 2017, it has taken him five seasons to rank as his nation’s top player, although the youngster insists that it was never at the forefront of his mind. “It was never really a goal of mine,” he said, “but it’s definitely a great bonus to be British number one.” “I want to keep pushing. I think I’ve got a lot of things to improve on, but I think it’s one of those things you’ve got to enjoy.” Norrie has already played two knockout rounds for the British Davis Cup team since making his competition debut in 2018, with a record of two wins and two defeats in the singles.

Son of a former top-10 women’s tennis player, Kathy May, and a former player who made a career out of coaching, Guy Fritz, it’s fair to say tennis runs through Taylor Fritz’s veins. Fritz turned pro in 2015 after winning the Junior US Open, before being named as the ATP Star of Tomorrow for being the youngest player in the top 100 merely a year later. It took him three more years to break into the top 25, following a win over top-10 ranked Marin Cilic and winning his first title at Eastbourne. That year, he became the youngest American top-25 player since Andy Roddick and made his Davis Cup debut, currently holding a singles record of 2-1.

TAYLOR FRITZ Age: 24

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Another junior champion (winning Wimbledon in 2015), Reilly Opelka is one of this era’s tallest tennis players, at a staggering 6 feet 11 inches. It should therefore come as no surprise that his secret weapon is his deadly serve. Opelka became the US No. 1 in June 2021, following what is shaping up to be his best season yet. So far this year, he has recorded significant wins over players including Richard Gasquet, Roberto Bautista and Stefanos Tsitsipas. But two losses to Daniil Medvedev have left him determined to beat the Russian prodigy. After making his Davis Cup debut in 2019, Opelka has played in three knockout ties and has a record of 1-2.

REILLY OPELKA Age: 24

Khachanov became the youngest Russian player to feature in the competition at a mere 17 years and 157 days (a record that was later beaten by Andrey Rublev). With 12 knockout round ties to his name, Khachanov holds a record of 7-7 in singles matches and 2-5 in doubles. He put his name on the map back in 2013 on the Tour, but it wasn’t until 2018 when the now 25-year-old shot into the limelight. At the Masters 1000 in Paris that year, he was crowned champion following victories over John Isner, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic. Following in his idol Marat Safin’s footsteps, Khachanov rose to the top of Russian tennis, entering the top 10 in 2019. However, having suffered some injuries, Khachanov has since dropped to No. 29 in the world rankings. Nonetheless, he remains an opponent that most would prefer to avoid.

KAREN KHACHANOV Age: 25

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MARCA

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CARLOS ALCARAZ Age: 18

This young star is in fine form, with many comparing him to Spain’s Rafael Nadal at such a youthful age. His passion and charisma during matches, as well as his ability to cope under pressure are what have drawn these comparisons, with Rafael’s uncle Toni Nadal already praising his maturity: “Carlos is at a much more accomplished level technically than Rafael was at his age,” he said. “The statistics are impressive, but everyone must follow their own path.” No. 32 in the world, Alcaraz is the only under-19 in the top 100, and his ranking trumps where Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were at his age. However, despite his promising future, his coach, former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, does a good job of keeping his feet firmly on the ground. “He doesn’t need to focus on being the next Nadal,” said Ferrero. “Being compared to the best in history is a huge burden to carry.” This year’s Davis Cup is Alcaraz's first call-up in the competition.

Born to a Uruguayan father and a Spanish mother, Alex de Minaur grew up in Alicante, before moving back to his birthplace Australia. Known on the circuit as ‘The Demon’, de Minaur has been on the rise since becoming the junior No. 2 in 2016. In 2018, he was presented with the Newcomer of the Year Award after jumping from No. 208 to No. 31 in the rankings that year. A year later, he won his first title in his hometown of Sydney, moving up to world No. 18. De Minaur has a tattoo of the number 109 on his chest, commemorating becoming the 109th man to represent Australia in the Davis Cup. His first outing in the competition was in 2018, under Lleyton Hewitt, and he has since played in six knockout ties with a singles record of 4-3.

ALEX DE MINAUR Age: 22

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Since turning pro in 2016, Bublik has stood out for his unique, risk-taking style. Opponents know that when they face him, anything can happen, which makes him a danger to all. The 24-year-old has confessed that his obsession with rankings held him back, that has recently changed since he became less focused on the numbers. Before his matches, Bublik used to count each possible point he could win, leading him to stress over results, which affected his game. As someone who puts on controversial performances on the court, he carries it with him off the court as well. Bublik made his Davis Cup debut in 2019 and is now the undisputed No. 1 on his team. He has competed in four knockout rounds, holding a record of 4-1 in the singles and 1-1 in the doubles.

ALEXANDER BUBLIK Age: 24

Musetti came to the world’s attention at Roland-Garros in 2020, where he reached the fourth round and had Novak Djokovic on the ropes; up two sets to love. Sadly for the Italian, he ended up losing the match and at such a young age, the defeat took its toll on him. “I went through a really bad period,” Musetti told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Several things happened to lead me to this bad period. There were many days when I felt really bad on the court and I didn’t feel like playing.” The support of his coach, Simone Tartarini, was essential: “He tried to motivate me,” Musetti continued. “He made me want to go back to training. He knows that tennis is my great love.”

LORENZO MUSETTI Age: 19

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Borna Coric has been a considerable talent waiting to hatch for years, ever since being voted the ATP Star of Tomorrow back in 2014. However, a variety of injuries have delayed him reaching his full potential. In 2018, he defeated Roger Federer to claim the Gerry Weber Open title, ending the Swiss’ run as world No. 1 and becoming the youngest champion in the tournament’s history at a mere 21 years of age. A few months later, he reached the highest ranking of his career, becoming No. 12 in the world after handing Federer another defeat to reach the final of the Shanghai Masters 1000. With an impressive nine victories against top-5 opponents, Coric still has enormous potential.

BORNA CORIC Age: 24

From an early age, Mikael has followed in the footsteps of his older brother Elias, 25. He made his first junior major final at Wimbledon in 2015, aged just 17. “I play for myself, for my family, for my country… but I also play for the future generations,” he said. “I would like to be an example for children in Sweden to go on and follow their dreams, no matter where they come from.” Mikael excelled as a junior, where he reached world No. 3. Since turning pro, he broke into the top 200 in January 2019, before reaching the top 100 that September. Ymer’s first call-up came at the age of 15 to then Swedish Davis Cup captain, Fredrik Rosengren. Since then, he has participated in eight knockout rounds, with a record of 11-4 in the singles. ◼

MIKAEL YMER Age: 23

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SOCIOS

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Masters of Multitasking Spanish captain Sergi Bruguera is one Davis Cup captain who knows from experience that sometimes nothing can prepare you for the challenges that lie in wait

here will perhaps never be a Davis Cup story quite as memorable, dramatic or as emotional as that experienced by the triumphant Spanish team in 2019. On home soil in Madrid, Sergi Bruguera’s men were favourites for the title but nothing could have prepared them for the news that rocked their camp midway through the event. After Roberto Bautista had narrowly lost to young Russian Andrey Rublev during the Group Stage early in the week, he had spoken to his father who still closely followed his son’s progress on court. Later that week the Spanish star was given the news that his father had passed away and so left his

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captain and teammates to return home before their quarter-final tie against Argentina. After burying his father on the Saturday - the same day Spain beat Great Britain in the semi-finals - the 33-year-old travelled back to Madrid to re-join his teammates. “First we enjoyed our semi-final victory over Great Britain, because what we had gone through was incredible,” Bruguera remembers of that Saturday night. “Then we turned our thoughts to playing the final. “After five minutes of celebrating, I locked myself in a room with Roberto to see how he was doing, first on a personal level, and then thinking about the final, what we should do. I wanted him to play, but to have that responsibility... It's one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made, to put a player who had just buried his father that morning into the final.” Having made the decision that Bautista was mentally strong enough to perform, Bruguera’s next test as captain was managing his player once that first singles match was underway. “I told him that the first set was crucial, that he had to give it his all because I felt that everything would be played in the first set,” Bruguera explained. “I tried to talk a lot about the match during the breaks and about the situation so that he wouldn't think about other things. It was a good way to distract him, to keep his attention 100 per cent on what was happening there.” Bruguera’s man-management skills paid off. Incredibly, Bautista found the strength of character to beat Felix Auger-Aliassime.“The Davis Cup is usually complicated, and the captain is important,” Bruguera said in summarising their journey that winter. “I am the Davis Cup coach, and captain, and I feel very involved because I had to make some ver y difficult decisions, very important ones, in complicated situations.”

It's one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made, to put a player who had just buried his father that morning into the final Sergi Bruguera

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UNICREDIT

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At the other end of the scale are a group who will be navigating the still relatively new-look format of the 18-team Finals for the very first time. Croatia will arrive with experienced tour coach Vedran Martic in charge, former pro Alejandro Falla will be responsible for Colombia’s success, former world No. 12 Viktor Troicki has close friend and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic at his disposal as he masterminds Serbia’s title bid, Gabor Koves will be hoping his Hungarian side can spring a few surprises, former world No. 4 Robin Soderling is back in the spotlight as Swedish captain and there is a new look to a strong Italian squad after another former player, Filippo Volandri, took over in January. Italy has for some time been a nation on the rise as a big group of players have pushed into the top 100 of the ATP rankings and there will be high hopes of success once they begin their round robin matches on home soil in Turin. Volandri, who has been the Italian federation’s Technical Director since 2018, has come full circle after winning ten of the 17 singles matches he played during a decade of Davis Cup duty. He steps into some big shoes, following in the footsteps of Italian legend Corrado Barazzutti, who held the job for 20 years, as well as 14 years as Billie Jean King Cup captain when his teams won four titles in eight seasons.

The two-time former Roland-Garros champion is one of 18 captains leading teams across this year’s three venues hoping to end the 11 days of competition holding the famous trophy aloft. Those charged with managing the five-man squads - as well as overseeing large teams of travelling back-room staff - include old-timers rich in experience, a large number of former top players and newcomers who will get their first taste of the Davis Cup Finals pressure cooker. No one can boast more experience than the man leading arguably the strongest squad in attendance, Russia’s captain Shamil Tarpischev, who has been in charge since 1974. The 73-yearold holds the record for most wins as a Davis Cup captain and says an understanding of his players’ emotional state - as well as intelligent communication - are keys to success. Others with an impressive bank of knowledge include Ecuador’s captain Raúl Viver - in charge of the South Americans since 1993, and Great Britain’s Leon Smith, who is a former coach of Andy Murray and who led the British to Davis Cup victory in 2015. The Czechs can draw on the knowledge and experience of their leader Jaroslav Navratil, who has been in the hot seat since 2006 and steered his two star players in 2012, Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek, to glory that season. Navratil also guided a team to the final in 2009.

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Italy stands out as a tennis nation that has benefitted from what appears to be genuine camaraderie between its players. “We have a team serving the team. We need teamwork, with the team and with the coaches who manage the players all year round. I think they must be part of an even larger team.” The former world No. 25 is also hopeful that Italy’s strength in depth will mean no one player will feel too much pressure to perform. “It is true, there is pressure but it is also true that it is divided among many players,” Volandri said. “[Matteo] Berrettini, for example, despite being [top 10] in the world, does not have all the spotlight on him, because behind him there are many equally strong young players who are improving quickly.

CABIFY

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In addition to Bruguera, some of the former top players that have graduated to team captaincy include the likes of former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt - back once more to lead Australia - Canada’s Frank Dancevic whose squad finished as runners-up in 2019, French captain Sébastien Grosjean and Mardy Fish, who will hope a blend of youth and experience will see the US go on a deep run. Fish, a former world No. 7, is perhaps better placed than any of his fellow captains to understand and advise his players about coping with stress. The American has been open about his mental health struggles and anxiety disorder that first came to the surface when he was a touring pro in 2012. The 39-year-old’s journey is chronicled in a Netflix documentary, Untold Point Break, and he was recently part of the USTA’s mental health initiative as an ambassador for the scheme at this summer’s US Open. There is sure to be a warm welcome back to the Davis Cup scene for Sweden’s Soderling too, a two-time Grand Slam runner-up, winner of ten ATP singles titles and still one of only two men to have beaten Rafael Nadal at Roland-Garros after his famous victory over the Spaniard in 2009. “Tennis is an individual sport, but it’s great to travel with the team,” he said. “As a player, my best memories are from Davis Cup matches, especially ones that were away. We could get together more as a team.” Soderling, who has spent time on tour coaching one of his Swedish players Elias Ymer, believes that his level on court and ability to practice with the squad gives him an invaluable insight into how they might perform. “I think I also have the advantage that I still play two to three times a week, that I was a good player and that I’m still on the court,” he explained.” ◼

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INTERVIEW WITH ANDREY RUBLEV TENNIS PLAYER

Andrey Rublev Andrey Rublev has had another fantastic season on tour and is one of a group of four Russian players inside the world’s top 30. He talks about his Davis Cup memories, motivations and whether the Russian Tennis Federation can lift the trophy.

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WE HAVE A CHANCE OF WINNING - MAYBE NOT THIS YEAR, MAYBE NOT NEXT YEAR - BUT IF WE PLAY CONSISTENTLY THEN WE’LL HAVE A CHANCE ONE DAY.

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You played some dramatic matches at the Davis Cup in 2019. Which moments stand out in your memory? The match against Roberto Bautista that I won 76 in the third set, because for me it was a big challenge at that time. Also of course the super dramatic deciding doubles against Serbia that we also won 76 in the third set when we saved match points.

It was big for us at that time because it sent us to the semi-finals and Russia hadn’t been in the semis for a long time so that was something special. And of course, the next day we lost 76 in the third set [of the doubles] against Canada. If we’d won that we’d have been in the final. It was super nice to play with lots of emotions, but unfortunately we didn’t win that one. Tha t double s y ou pla y e d w ith Ka ren Khachanov against Novak Djokovic and Viktor Troicki from Serbia was a crazy match. How do you stay focused when you are under so much pressure? Well, that’s why the victory was so special. All four of us deserved to win that match. If you were watching from the side and you had to give one of the teams the victory, you wouldn’t know who to give it to because we all deserved it. This feeling was special. It’s not about who wins, it’s about this moment. I was just trying to enjoy the moment and to give my best. You seem to respond well when playing for your country - in Davis Cup and this year at the Olympics where you won a gold medal in the mixed doubles. Can you explain how and why it inspires you? It’s a completely different feeling when you play for your country compared to when you compete for yourself. You can’t compare the emotions. Normally when you play for your country you have a team, you’re not the only one. You’re together, you support each other and when you compete for yourself you’re alone. How much Davis Cup tennis did you watch when you were young? I remember growing up in Moscow and watching Davis Cup matches when Marat Safin used to play. I was at the 2006 final when Russia played Argentina and

I remember Diego Maradona came to Moscow to support Argentina. And I remember when Russia played Chile in the first round of the World Group in 2007. I was at that tie too when Marat played Fernando Gonzalez. You have the strongest squad at this year’s Finals on paper. How achievable is it for the Russian Tennis Federation to win the competition this year? It’s true that we have a really great team - a strong team that could win the Davis Cup - but in the end I’m not sure if it’ll happen this year or in a few years. For sure though we have a good team that has potential. Time will tell if it’s going to happen. We have a chance of it happening - maybe not this year, maybe not next year - but if we play consistently then we’ll have a chance one day. We were so close to reaching the final in 2019. How motivated are you as a group of players to do that? For me, I really love tennis and I’ve never won the Davis Cup so I’d really like to win it and I’ll do my best to achieve it. We have a great team. It has been a long year. Players are tired and might get injured. How much do you think Russian Tennis Federation’s strength could play an important part over the 11 days of competition? For myself and Daniil [Medvedev] we play in Turin [at the ATP Finals] - we go from Turin straight to Davis Cup. Karen and Aslan [Karatsev] will have a little bit of time off before so they will be rested and will recover from the season mentally. They’ll be ready, fully charged. And it will be the same for some of the other players - for example, Djokovic is going to Turin - so they’ll be in the same situation as me and Daniil. They’ll

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play non-stop so I think many teams will be in an equal situation. In your group you have Spain and Ecuador. Spain are without Rafael Nadal. Do you still see Spain as a big team even without Rafa? Yes, because they have such strong players and a great doubles team too. They have Roberto and Pablo Carreño who are really consistent players and you have to have a great level to beat them. And now Spain has Carlos Alcaraz who is winning so many great matches, already beating top players and he is only getting better and better.

I remember growing up in Moscow and watching Davis Cup matches when Marat Safin used to play. I was at the 2006 final and I remember Diego Maradona came to Moscow to support Argentina

Yourself, Daniil and Karen grew up together playing junior tennis. How important is that bond and friendship that has developed over many years during weeks like Davis Cup? We understand each other better because we’ve been playing junior team events. We know how to support each other, we have a relaxed atmosphere in the team. I think it’s important but I’m not sure how much of a big advantage it is. You will be in Madrid for the Group Stage. Does it help you that you have a connection to Spain with your coaching team and training base? In my case yes, I like the atmosphere. In Spain they really like tennis and I feel really welcome - I feel like the spectators like to support me and it’s a nice feeling. It’s especially useful at the end of the year, when after Davis Cup we need to do pre-season, so for me to move from Madrid to [my training base in] Barcelona is easy and fast by train so I can start practising soon. Plus, also the group - because this year there are Group Stage in other countries - but in our case we can stay in Spain. We won’t have to move from Madrid for the whole competition if we go through.

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You’ve had great success in doubles this year with Aslan. Why did that partnership work so well in Doha and Indian Wells? In my opinion, out of all the Russian Tennis Federation team Aslan is the one who plays doubles the best. He knows what to do and he plays smart and he has a good feel at the net. It’s not so much about the combination, in my opinion it’s about him. If you put him with anyone who more or less knows how to play doubles they will play good. Do you think you and Aslan might be the pair to play the deciding doubles? Well, it’s not my decision. I think it will be more about the Federation - they will decide which players are in better shape, or less tight. But if you look from the outside, I think it should be Aslan plus someone else because Aslan is the best doubles player on our team. Who do you see as your main rivals for the trophy this year - which teams do you think are dangerous? I think all of the teams! Germany, Spain, France, Italy… There are so many great teams, and first of all we have Spain in our group and it won’t be easy to beat them, it’s going to be really tough. Last time, we lost to them two years ago. First it’s the group and to be secure we need to win both matches. ◼

WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER BETTER BECAUSE WE’VE BEEN PLAYING JUNIOR TEAM EVENTS. WE KNOW HOW TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER, WE HAVE A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE.

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INTERVIEW WITH MATTEO BERRETTINI TENNIS PLAYER

Matteo Berrettini Top-ten star Matteo Berrettini will lead a strong Italian squad on home soil in Turin. If they can emerge from the Group Stage, the possibility of a first trophy since 1976 will be real.

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THE EMOTIONS YOU EXPERIENCE IN DAVIS CUP CANNOT BE MATCHED BY ANY OTHER COMPETITION. WE WILL PLAY IN ITALY AT HOME AND WE NEED A LOT OF SUPPORT.

Close your eyes and tell us your first childhood memory of the Davis Cup… The first ‘flash’ I believe is a picture – obviously I did not see it live because I was not born yet – from the year Italy won the Davis Cup. I remember it was shown on TV…. I was very young. I have many other memories of all the finals that were played at the end of the year. I remember when Switzerland won against France. I remember the year Argentina won. And I remember very well – I was already older – Fabio Fognini’s match against Great Britain in Naples. In 2019, you made your debut against India. What do you remember? It was a wonderful experience. I remember I was fired up and emotional at the same time, in a country very different from ours, in different conditions, on grass. We were really ready for anything, but it was very beautiful. I remember I had extraordinary emotional drive. In the Finals 2019, Italy was in a complicated group with the USA and Canada and you were not in top shape. What do you remember from that year? They are not very happy memories, because we did not manage to pass the Group Stage and so there was some disappointment. As you recalled, I was not at my best, I arrived there very tired from a very busy year and was also slightly injured. I gave it my all as usual, I tried to do my best but unfortunately it was not enough. Everyone in tennis, but especially the players, have always said the Davis Cup is a different competition. Do you get a feeling of why it’s so special? The fact we play for a team, for the Italian team, for your country – I believe that is what makes it special. It is true that we represent Italy every time we go to a tournament, but having a team around you,

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preparing for a week with your teammates, being with them, having your captain on the bench, and the fact the supporters are so loud makes it all really special and unique. For all these reasons it is wonderful to play it, to live this experience. Italy’s Davis Cup group is staged in Turin with Filippo Volandri as captain for the first time. Italy looks like one of the favourites. What do you think? Yes, on paper our team is certainly very strong, but we must always remember that I have played this event twice, Jannik Sinner has never played, Lorenzo Sonego played one match. Lorenzo Musetti never played and Fabio Fognini is our veteran, in the sense that he has the most experience. Experience counts in the Davis Cup, and we must remember it, because it will keep our feet on the ground. No one gives you anything for free in the Davis Cup, especially when you play with this format. The teams in our group are dangerous, especially the US who have a very complete team and are very tricky especially in indoor conditions. We will certainly be one of the teams to watch, but I know the circuit well and I know it will be very hard. Ever yone considers the Russian Tennis Federation as favourites for the title with Italy right behind. Do you agree? I believe that, as things stand, the top favourite is Novak Djokovic’s Serbia. Especially with this format, where you play two singles and one doubles. His singles is fundamental, and he can make the difference also in doubles. Serbia, obviously Russia, Italy, Canada which two years ago proved they are very strong, even Spain, which obviously will not have Rafael Nadal, but is still a very solid team. So there are many dangerous teams, I believe even the US can also play a key role.

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BEST OF THREE SETS IS MUCH MORE INTENSE, IT IS SHORTER. PLUS ALL MATCHES ARE PLAYED ON THE SAME DAY, SO IT IS DIFFERENT, BUT THE ADRENALINE IS STILL THE SAME.

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EXPERIENCE COUNTS AND WE MUST REMEMBER IT, BECAUSE IT WILL KEEP OUR FEET ON THE GROUND. NO ONE GIVES YOU ANYTHING FOR FREE.

The format sometimes leads to upsets. How do you feel when you are on the bench and your teammates are playing?

Let’s talk about the amazing year for Italian sport. Which victory, competition or medal impressed you the most?

Whatever the tie and the format, you always suffer in the Davis Cup. Clearly, in a best-of-five-set match there can be some emotional pauses, but not in best of three sets. Best of three is much more intense, it is shorter. Plus all matches are played on the same day, so it is different, but the adrenaline is still the same.

I grew up watching the Olympic Games, so to see an Italian win the 100 metres – the blue-ribbon event – and doubling that up with the 4x100m – was for me totally amazing. I believe those two races were proof of how special these Olympics and this year were for us.

Italy have the US and Colombia in their group. What are the strengths and weaknesses of these two teams? The Americans certainly have a very complete team. Apart from the two big guys John Isner and Reilly Opelka, Taylor Fritz is playing very well. Jack Sock and Rajeev Ram are very strong doubles players, and should we lose a singles, playing them in doubles will be no walk in the park. With Colombia, on paper we are favourites in the singles, but they have one of the best doubles teams in the world, so we need to be very careful not to have to play a decisive doubles.

Why should fans come to Turin to watch the Davis Cup? Because the emotions you experience in the Davis Cup cannot be matched by any other competition. We will play in Italy, at home, and we need a lot of support. We have a very strong team, and I believe the more supporters are there, the more favourable will be the result.

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INTERVIEW WITH MARIN CILIC TENNIS PLAYER

Marin Cilic With 26 ties played and 41 wins, Marin Cilic has established himself as one of the legends of the Davis Cup - helping the team to victory in 2018. Croatia joins Australia and Hungary in Group D in Turin; a group that, as Cilic says, is “wide open” and is going to produce some thrilling tennis.

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The Davis Cup has been a crucial part of your amazing career. How would you describe your experience and emotions surrounding the Davis Cup? The Davis Cup has brought so many new experiences, new emotions, and I enjoyed it from that first trip to Austria [in 2006]. And now, fifteen years later, I’m still so proud of being part of the Croatian team and having such success. When I accepted the feeling of playing in the Davis Cup, that I would experience different emotions and that I can use these emotions and the team atmosphere to help me get my game to a better level, it became such an important part of my routine. I also used these Davis Cup ties for my individual tournaments, and that has transformed me as a player. I learned different things and this Davis Cup success we had in 2016 and 2018 was in part because of that. Your team selection was just a few months after the first Croatian triumph in 2005. It was a heavy but also prestigious legacy… how did you manage it?

EVERY SINGLE TIME I COME TO PLAY FOR MY TEAM IT’S A NEW EXPERIENCE, I JUST WANT TO GIVE MY BEST. TO GIVE MY BEST BECAUSE OF MY TEAMMATES, ALSO BECAUSE OF MY COUNTRY. IT’S A BIG RESPONSIBILITY TO BE FOR MANY YEARS THE NO. 1 PLAYER IN THE TEAM. A BIG WEIGHT IS ON YOUR SHOULDERS

I knew Ivan [Ljubicic] and I knew Mario [Ancic], [Ivo] Karlovic as well. But being part of the team was just something different: seeing them practice every day, their routines, the way they were preparing for the matches, it just boosted my experience as a young kid. I played in Zagreb – I played that tie in Austria, and then in Zagreb I played against David Nalbandian who was at the time No. 3 in the world. For me it was such an overwhelming experience, playing for Team Croatia against a player like that. The Davis Cup has helped me so much in that respect, and to grow as the team grew, my experience grew, and it just made me such a better player. In this regard, what did champions like Ivanisevic, Ljubicic and Ancic represent for you growing up, as a child at first and then a professional tennis player? For me, they were my idols. I looked up to them. They paved the way for players, youngsters like me, and obviously because of them I

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was much more interested in tennis. I knew, if they were able to do it, that I also have a chance to go through to make something big in my career. What is the first memory of the Davis Cup – maybe you were watching TV with your parents – what is the first image of the Davis Cup? The atmospheres at the Davis Cups were incredible. You don’t see that at regular tournaments, and it’s something that you cherish and you want to play for, so I watched it several times on TV as a kid and then experienced it live. It transforms your feelings about tennis. Looking at the team stats of Croatia, we read… Cilic: Most years played (13), Most ties played (26), Most total wins (41). Are we exaggerating if we say that you are now one of the great legends of this competition?

Every single time I come to play for my team it’s a new experience, I just want to give my best. To give my best because of my teammates, also because of my country. It’s a big responsibility to be for many years the No. 1 player in the team. A big weight is on your shoulders, and always the expectation of the crowd, of the nation is on me. I feel that expectation, that I need to win, that I need to show my best tennis. But also, it pushed me to better limits, to higher levels; I know I can produce that kind of great tennis when under pressure. 2016 was a huge disappointment in the final against Argentina, then there was the sweetest redemption in 2018. What did you feel when you scored the final, decisive point? Just pure joy! It was an incredible feeling, such a moment of pure honour and also happiness and of being so proud to have

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come that far with the team. We knew that being such a small team, a small country, is not important when you come face to face on a tennis court, one on one, different teams, playing in singles or playing doubles – it’s who is better on that day. And this team atmosphere has helped us to grow something great in our team. Every single time I was with my team over the last few years I enjoyed it so much; it was one of the best experiences I had. And obviously, to win in 2018 in France after losing in Zagreb against Argentina was just absolutely incredible. Croatia is a small nation but has such talented athletes. Great tennis players, great footballers many, many gold medals in the Winter and Summer Olympics. What is the secret of Croatia in sport? Difficult to say… I believe as an athlete, when you come to the top height, when you are reaching your full potential, when you are, you know, competing against the best in the world, I think what makes a difference is that will that you have inside of yourself, they call it the grit.

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That you push yourself, that you really strongly believe that you can succeed no matter what, that you’re gonna give your best and try to find a way to win. I believe that we – a lot of us in Croatia have this probably naturally instilled in us from very early days, because you know, playing in the street, playing different sports, there is always competition and you always want to do great. It’s a normal thing that in our region, we all love sports, there is a lot of talent, but I believe that this will, this strong will to succeed is the most important ingredient in everything. This year, Croatia will play in Group D with Australia and Hungary… how would you describe these two ties? I think this group is going to be very interesting, very open. In the Croatian team we have the best doubles team in the world. I'm also feeling good so I play good tennis and always enjoy playing in the Davis Cup. The Australian Team is always very strong with

FIRST AND FOREMOST IS TO ALWAYS GIVE YOUR BEST (…) AND NOBODY ON THE SIDE CAN TELL YOU WHAT IS YOUR BEST, WHAT IS YOUR 100%. YOUR COACH CAN TELL YOU, "DO THIS, DO THAT" BUT IN THE END YOU FEEL INSIDE OF YOUR HEART IF YOU ARE JUST GIVING YOUR BEST AND PUSHING YOURSELF. FOR ME THAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT AT THE END OF THE DAY.

[Alex] de Minaur, [Jordan] Thompson, [John] Millman, [Alexei[ Popyrin, John Peers as well in doubles, who also just won Indian Wells and has been an amazing doubles player for many years. Hungary are also quite a young team but very, very good. So I believe that the group is going to be very open, and it’s going to come down to just a few points, who’s going to be the best. You really come across as a Davis Cup lover. Can you imagine in the future being the captain of the Croatian Team? Yes, why not? I enjoy so much being a part of the team and having this experience, and, as a player, sharing my knowledge, sharing my experiences and advice with the rest of my teammates. I always enjoy it, so why not be captain one day?

You are a father now… so if one day your children decide to play tennis, what advice would you give them? First and foremost is to always give your best, no matter what, to give your best. And nobody on the side can tell you what is your best, what is your 100%. Your coach can tell you, "do this, do that" but in the end you feel inside of your heart if you are just giving your best and pushing yourself. For me that is the most important at the end of the day. Obviously to enjoy, enjoy sport, enjoy anything you do because with love you are gonna do so much more. If you love something, if you love tennis, if you love other sports, you’re gonna be pushing yourself to do more and more and always trying to learn and to have better experiences. So I believe those are the values that I will try to teach my kids and hopefully they will listen to me.

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INTERVIEW WITH JUAN SEBASTIÁN CABAL AND ROBERT FARAH TENNIS PLAYERS

Juan Sebastián Cabal and Robert Farah Juan Sebastián Cabal and Robert Farah are one of the most wellestablished and consistent pairings on the Tour, taking the world No. 1 spot in July 2019 after winning their first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, followed by the US Open. They are the pride of Colombia.

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WHAT YOU FEEL IN THE DAVIS CUP, THE EXCITEMENT AND ALSO THE PRESSURE THAT YOU FEEL REPRESENTING YOUR COUNTRY, HAS NO EQUAL.

With the new Finals format, Colombia has made it into the direct fight for the title. How do you remember the experience of being in the Finals 2019 alongside the best teams in the world? RF: We had been competing in the play-offs to get into the World Group for several years. We fell short five times before 2019 and for us to beat Sweden and finally qualify for the first time for the World Group in 2019 was like a dream, a dream that we had had since 2010. I think we’re a pretty strong team, especially in Bogota. Daniel Galán in Bogota is a 'top-10 player', he plays incredible tennis in Bogota, and Sebas [Cabal] and I can always take the doubles point and qualify. Now it's time to go to Turin and give everything on this new occasion. What does it mean to you to play for your country? RF: Sebas and I always approach any competition with a strong focus, but the Davis Cup is an even bigger commitment. What you feel in the Davis Cup, the excitement and also the pressure you feel representing your country, is unparalleled compared with any other tournament on the Tour. There is greater pressure and commitment to your team and your country. That makes the competition more special and perhaps the victories are more appreciated and the defeats more painful. We’ve achieved good things in the Davis Cup and the truth is that we’ve seen both sides of the coin because we’ve also had defeats that have hurt a lot. From childhood, you grow up watching the Davis Cup and dreaming of being able to compete for your country and once it becomes a reality you gain experience. We’ve been playing for Colombia for more than 10 years and I think that experience works in our favour. You have been together on the tennis court for many years, and you have a very good personal relationship. How much is a good

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relationship key to the success of a doubles partnership? RF: Man, if you get on well, it's always a plus. I don't think I would play if I didn't get on well with the other player. The other day I was talking to a player, not to mention names, who played for several years with another player, and I was asking him questions about that other player and he didn't know how to answer them! We are on 'automatic' now because we've known each other since we were five years old and have lived together since we were 10 or 11 years old. We were able to live together for many years, now we don't, but we have a very strong partnership and camaraderie. And that's not only with Sebas, but with those who were part of the team before, Alejandro Falla, who is now our captain, Santi Giraldo, [Carlos] Salamanca... we don't think about whether we are friends or not... We are almost like family! You have become one of the best pairings in the world. You've not only made it, but you've stayed there... What do you think are your best weapons? RF: Having been good singles players – not amazing, but when you're 150–160 in the world – it gives you some weapons that a doubles player who was never good at singles would never have. That makes us specialists in doubles but with different weapons that allow us to be a little bit more flexible, they allow us to stay back when we need to stay back, to be able to get into a one-on-one rally with a singles player, and to be a doubles player we have trained a lot at the net and in volleying. All this makes for a more complete game and we have maybe more weapons than other people. Obviously, that doesn't mean that we are infallible and that there aren't moments when other weapons can't work against our game, but we always have the options and that's what makes us very strong.

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What does the doubles game require that the singles game does not? JSC: It's totally different... Doubles points are shorter, they are faster, there is a lot of physical explosion, you have to stay very low all the time, while in singles, the ball requires more movement, the wear and tear is more physical, longer points, not so much explosion but a lot of endurance and speed. Tennis-wise, it's a totally different approach, it's another world... That's why we train for doubles, to cover those gaps that we had at the beginning, to know how to move, to know what to do, to know how to approach and cover the court as much as possible depending on where the ball is going and how you're approaching the point. That's the task. For me, they are two totally different worlds although obviously, if you play well in singles you play well in doubles, but a good doubles player will not necessarily be a good singles player. It's something you have to prepare for and understand what you're doing when you play.

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Do you notice much difference when you play against another pair of specialists than when, for example in the Davis Cup, you play a top20 singles player in the doubles? RF: Yes, there’s always a difference in the approach to match tactics. Normally, when you play against a top-10 or top-20 singles player, you try to shorten the points as much as possible. Normally they stay back, they don't serve and volley and we try not to play from the back because when they are hitting that’s where they feel comfortable because in singles there are no serve and volley players left and if they do it it’s for a specific point or to create surprise. So, you try to shorten it as much as possible, play to the one at the net as much as possible... and when you play against a doubles player it's the other way around, try to avoid the opponent at the net, or give the one at the net more difficult volleys by placing the ball at his feet. The tactics vary a lot, and you have to be very aware of who you’re playing against.

Colombia will be in Group E with none other than the United States and Italy. Quite a challenge... JSC: It's going to be a very exciting challenge. Two great teams, two nations that have always had very good players throughout history. We’re going in with a great challenge, not as favourites in the group, but with a lot to achieve, we can do a lot of damage. We have to get on the court, play and surprise. It's a group in which we have a lot to gain and little to lose, so to speak... Robert and I are known to them, we know them all... Obviously it's going to be the first time we’ve faced these countries. It's going to be a good experience because the USA are what they are and Italy are playing at home. We’ll try to do our thing, we’ll surely have the support of Colombians there, as always, and it's the Davis Cup, which is always a different competition.

WE’RE ON 'AUTOMATIC' NOW BECAUSE WE’VE KNOWN EACH OTHER SINCE WE WERE FIVE YEARS OLD AND HAVE A GREAT PARTNERSHIP AND CAMARADERIE.

Do you feel that you’ve reached the point where your opponents have great respect for you? RF: I don't know, I know that when I was young and hadn't done the things I've done in doubles, when I played against a pair that already had great experience, more than respect, I was inspired to beat them at all costs and to measure my game against them. It inspired me that there wasn't much to lose and everything to win, so you play more freely, your concentration is perhaps greater, you're more involved in the match... I don't know how to explain it. Maybe that can happen, but I think experience gives you the chance not to think so much about that but to go out and play. Likewise, these young players today are very confident, they are very clear about what they have to do on the court, they are hitting the ball very hard and they go out to the doubles and do the same thing (laughs)... They are used to playing at a high level and they go out and play their game. We have to be prepared and be very focused on our game.

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The Battles To guarantee a place in the quarterfinals a team must finish top of its group. This sets the scene for some intense battles as top players clash and doubles pairs could hold their team’s fortunes on their rackets.

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Group A: Galácticos Two of the strongest teams in the competition – the holders Spain and 2019 semi-finalists Russian Tennis Federation – will collide in a blockbuster that is likely to settle who tops Group A.

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Group A Spain Russian Tennis Federation Ecuador

nce the draw for the six groups at the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals was made and the two powerhouses of Spain and Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) fell alongside one another in Group A, anticipation started to build. Spain, of course, will be hoping that homecourt advantage in the atmospheric Madrid Arena and a vocal and passionate local crowd gives them the extra few per cent required to see off, in RTF, arguably the strongest squad at any of the three venues. Without their talisman Rafael Nadal, it will be an almighty task to beat a Russian team that features four of the world’s best. Captain Shamil Tarpischev has the luxury of selecting two singles players from a quartet

boasting September’s US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, established top-10 star Andrey Rublev, 2021 surprise package and perhaps the most improved player on tour this season, Aslan Karatsev, and Olympic silver medallist, former Masters 1000 champion and top-10 player Karen Khachanov.

the luxury of choice Whether Tarpischev rotates his singles players to keep them fresh or places trust in his two highest rated stars - Medvedev and Rublev - remains to be seen. It would come as no surprise if Karatsev made his Davis Cup debut after he reached the Australian Open semi-finals as a qualifier, collected two singles trophies in Dubai and Moscow, beat Novak Djokovic in the world No. 1’s own backyard in Belgrade and cracked the world’s top 20 in October. The 28-yearold, who began 2021 outside the top 100, also reached a Grand Slam mixed doubles final in Paris and left Tokyo with a mixed doubles silver medal. Although Khachanov’s form has been arguably the most inconsistent of the Russian foursome, he still enjoyed the most successful Olympics of them all after leaving with a singles silver medal, and notably beat Spaniard Pablo Carreño along the way.

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counting on home support Spanish captain Sergi Bruguera will be all too aware of the size of the task, but even without Nadal might be quietly confident of springing a surprise. The former two-time Roland-Garros champion - who steered his men throughout a memorable title run two years ago - is likely to choose his singles players from a high quality trio comprising Carreño, Roberto Bautista and teenage star Carlos Alcaraz, who many experts predict will be a future Grand Slam champion and world No. 1. Bautista has time and again showcased his value as a Davis Cup teammate, but never as dramatically as he did during the first staging of the new-look Finals two years ago. The 33-year-old tragically lost his father midway through that week, and after leaving Madrid to attend the funeral, then decided to return to re-unite

with Bruguera’s squad. Somehow he found the emotional strength to make himself available for selection when Spain took on Canada in the final and - incredibly - beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in the first singles match just 24 hours after saying goodbye to his father. Bautista’s ability on court, mental strength and devotion to the Davis Cup cause will never be questioned, but what might please Bruguera the most is his recent head-tohead record against the top two Russians. The former world No. 9 beat Mevdevev in the 2020 Cincinnati quarter-finals in three sets and outplayed him again, this time in the last eight at the Miami Masters this April - both meetings were on hard courts. Bautista's history with Rublev might also give the hosts reason to be optimistic. Overall, their head-to-head stats are tight,

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and the Spaniard claimed their most recent hard court meeting when they played at the ATP 250 tournament in Doha in February. Medvedev’s record against Carreño is more favourable - he’s won two of their three meetings in 2021 - but it was the Spaniard who claimed arguably their most important encounter when he surprised the US Open champion in straight sets at this summer’s Tokyo Olympics. Carreño then proved that victory was no fluke when he shocked world No. 1 Djokovic later in the week in the bronze medal match to end a memorable stay in Japan. Should Rublev step on court with Carreño, we should expect another match that could go either way. Although the Russian owns a 2-0 record, all two have been settled in a deciding set.

And perhaps the most intriguing question of all is whether Spanish 18-year-old Alcaraz will be thrown into the action during the 11-day event. A first title in Umag this year, a ranking rise to well inside the world’s top 50 and his first victory over a top-five player when he outclassed Stefanos Tsitsipas on his way to the last eight at the US Open suggest he is ready.

big task for Viver One of the competition's longest serving captains, Raúl Viver, will need all his experience to steer his Eccuador team from one of the strongest groups of all. Emilio Gómez and Roberto Quiroz helped deliver an impressive 3-0 victory away against Japan in early 2020 to book their place in Madrid and the same two men will spearhead their nation's challenge once more when they start as underdogs against Spain and Russia.

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Group B: A very open battle Canada, the 2019 finalists, are without their top players and face formidable opposition from Kazakhstan, who are always dangerous, and Sweden, motivated and looking to return to Davis Cup glory. The battle for Group B will be fierce.

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Group B Canada Kazakhstan Sweden

anada arrived at the Davis Cup by Rakuten Madrid Finals 2019 with high expectations, although no one would have predicted that they would achieve the best result in their nation's history by reaching the final against Spain. In 2021, captain Frank Dancevic has a challenge on his hands following the last-minute withdrawal of top players Denis Shapovalov and Felix AugerAliassime, who won the Junior Davis Cup together in 2015. The threats in Group B come both from Kazakhstan, led by the talented Alexander Bublik, and Sweden, back among the best after nearly a decade and with the freedom of having nothing to lose. The Canadian family Dancevic, at 37, is more than a captain for Canada. He retired from competition just two seasons ago, giving him a strong

affinity with his current players. He has the respect of his men and reciprocates that with complete trust in them. The Canadians have created a group that has become, in Auger-Aliassime's words, "a family. I would say that Vasek [Pospisil] is like a big brother, we have a special bond." The team will be led by the steady hand of 31-year-old Vasek Pospisil, who put in such a strong performance in that 2019 run to the Davis Cup Final. The former world No. 25 is an accomplished doubles specialist with seven ATP titles to his name. Pospisil will be joined by Brayden Schnur, Peter Polansky and new call-up Steven Diez, who first played in the Davis Cup back in 2010. For his part, Pospisil was one of the standout performers at the inaugural Davis Cup by Rakuten Madrid Finals, taking over as the No. 2 player after Auger-Aliassime suffered an injury. A look at Pospisil's potential match-ups with the Kazakhs and Swedes confirms that things won't be easy to predict: he has yet to meet Bublik, has a 1-2 record against Kukushkin and has never faced any of the Swedish players.

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Unpredictable but dangerous Kazakhstan Although their players, with the exception of Alexander Bublik, are not ranked amongst the best in the world, Kazakhstan should never be underestimated. A slip-up against them is often lethal. After their debut as a team in 1995, Kazakhstan experienced a meteoric rise. The trio of Mikhail Kukushkin, Andrey Golubev and Yuriy Schukin helped to drive that success. They brought tennis to a level of popularity in their country that it had not previously enjoyed, reaching the quarterfinals of the competition on five occasions (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2018). Kazakhstan's prospects for the present lie with Bublik, who has a career-high ranking of 34 although, as he explains, he has opted not to look at the rankings until the end of the season. He is a player who competes in both singles and doubles (this year he was a finalist at RolandGarros with Golubev, and in 2020, a semi-finalist at the Australian Open with Kukushkin). He has a powerful serve and a game capable of making anyone uncomfortable, but you never know which version of Bublik will take to the court.

Sweden: the return of a legend Sweden has a long tradition in tennis and that experience could be key for a team that on paper starts as the Cinderella of Group B. Throughout recent decades it has featured legendary players such as Bjorn Borg, who boasts one of the best winning streaks in Davis Cup history (33 matches), Mats Wilander, Joakim Nystrom, Anders Jarryd, Stefan Edberg, Magnus Larsson, Jonas Bjorkman, Thomas Enqvist and Magnus Norman. Theirs are the footsteps in which the young Swedish team, captained by former tour star Robin Soderling, a two-time finalist at Roland-Garros and former world top-4 player, now want to follow, yet Soderling is making his Finals debut with only one Davis Cup tie behind him, a win over Chile in the Qualifiers.

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Group C: Kings of the mountains Great Britain, France and the Czech Republic will assemble in Innsbruck to decide a group that is too tight to call. The winners will likely face Serbia and Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.

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Group C France Great Britain Czech Republic

avis Cup tennis is hard to predict at the best of times, but choosing a winner from Group C seems, on paper, an impossible task. Three Davis Cup powerhouses go head to head - Great Britain, France and the Czech Republic - when the three nations settle in for five days of competition at the OlympiaWorld Stadium in the Austrian city of Innsbruck. The French are the most recent champions - beating Belgium in the 2017 final - while the British claimed the trophy in 2015 and the Czechs were world champions backto-back in 2012-13. All three teams have a different feel, however, this time out. The British will have been hoping to include three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 Andy Murray on either the singles or doubles court but his participation was ruled out after a busy end to his year. The French will have been banking on entertainer Gael Monfils and one of their newest stars

Ugo Humbert being available, but both are missing while they nurse injuries. And the Czechs no longer have Tomas Berdych to lead the line after the former world No. 4 retired in 2019.

Norrie to lead the Brits The British, steered once more by experienced captain Leon Smith, look the most likely to top the table and move into a quarter-final in the same city against the winners from Group F. Their number one player, Cameron Norrie, has gone from strength to strength during 2021 winning 50 matches on tour and moving from No. 74 to No. 12 by season end. The 26-year-old leftie appeared in six finals this year, winning two of those - the most notable coming in Indian Wells at Masters 1000 level where he beat Roberto Bautista, Diego Schwartzman, Grigor Dimitrov and in the final Nikoloz Basilashvili. Dan Evans will be expected to slot into the second singles spot and has also enjoyed a career-best season. The right-hander outplayed Novak Djokovic in straight sets on clay en route to the semi-finals in Monte Carlo in April and won his first ATP title in Australia at the start of the year. ‘Evo’ also excelled on the doubles court with two Masters finals alongside Davis Cup teammate Neal Skupski, a combination the British captain

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may consider in Austria. First choice for any key double matches, however, will surely be Joe Salisbury, who now owns two Grand Slam titles alongside his American partner Rajeev Ram - the most recent coming in New York in September - and has established himself as a top five player in the world. Liam Broady was added to the squad at the last minute and is another player who has been making waves in 2021. The left-hander most notably shocked Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz on his way to the last 16 at the Tokyo Olympics.

Will Grosjean choose Gaston? French captain Sébastien Grosjean - a Davis Cup champion himself in 2001 - has had to manage a complicated run-in to the Finals trying to decide which player to include as his fifth man. With Arthur Rinderknech, veteran Richard Gasquet and doubles team Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert on the plane, Grosjean waited until the conclusion of the Paris Masters 1000 event in early November before naming his last two additions. Adrian Mannarino and youngster Hugo Gaston - who reached the quarterfinals in the French capital as a qualifier were included at the eleventh hour, with the

rules stating that one of that group must be omitted and the squad reduced to five the day before their first tie. Gaston’s unpredictable, varied and entertaining tennis has helped him jump around 100 places in the rankings this season, reaching his first ATP final in Gstaad in July, another four finals at Challenger level and notching up two top-20 wins since the summer.

Can Navratil spring a surprise? For the Czechs, qualification from the group looks a tall order based on the world rankings of the players selected by captain Jaroslav Navratil. Although Jiri Vesely is a former world No. 35, the big left-hander now resides just inside the top 100 and played the majority of the second half of his season on the ATP Challenger Tour. Navratil’s second singles player will come from a group ranked just outside the top 100 - Tomas Machac, Zdenek Kolar or Jiri Lehecka - with the possibility of an appearance from the experienced 36-yearold Lukas Rosol, a player who can boast a Wimbledon Centre Court victory over Rafael Nadal nine years ago.

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Group D: A fight between two... or three? Top seeds Croatia will meet Australia, one of the great Davis Cup nations, and a show-down is on the cards. But no-one should write off debutants Hungary, who could well cause quite an upset.

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Group D Croatia Australia Hungary

roatia, Australia and Hungary play in Group D of the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals 2021 at the Pala Alpitour Arena in Turin (Italy). Croatia, who beat India in the Qualifiers, are the top seeds in this group and many would point to them, at least on paper, as favourites to reach the quarterfinals. However, Australia, with Alex de Minaur and John Millman at the helm, are determined to finish top of the group to reach the last eight; sparks could fly in the Croatia-Australia clash. But no one should relax against Hungary, one of five debutants in the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals. On a good day, their No. 1, Marton Fucsovics, can spoil the party for any player. Croatia, a team of proven ability Croatia, are a formidable opponent for anyone: they have the resolute and experienced Marin Cilic and a renewed Borna Coric as single players; Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic – the best doubles pair in the world rankings; and the evergreen Ivan Dodig.

Unlike two years ago, when he had to undergo knee surgery, in 2021 Croatia is counting on Cilic to lead the team: he’s a player who already knows what it means to win the title (he did it in 2018) and is a former world top-3 player. He is also Croatia's record holder in the competition, having played the most years (13), played the most ties (26) and won the most matches (41). Alongside him is 25-year-old Borna Coric, who has had to overcome a string of injuries, most recently to his right shoulder, for which he had surgery last May. New captain Vedran Martic will also muster the world No. 1 doubles pair of Mektic and Pavic. Cilic has a favourable record against Australian Millman (2-0) and Hungarian Fucsovics (2-0) and has won one of his two duels with de Minaur. Coric, on the other hand, only dominates his meetings with Fucsovics (3-1), having lost against de Minaur and Millman (0-1 in both cases) and is level against Thompson (1-1).

Australia: talent and energy on the court... and on the bench Australia, a country with a long tennis tradition, reflected in its 28 Davis Cup titles, has made the latest generational change thanks to the performance and talent of Alex de Minaur, who has taken the team lead.

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Even so, all eyes will be on the bench, where Lleyton Hewitt, one of the most committed players in the Davis Cup, pulls the strings as few others can. He transmits energy and confidence to his players, who adore him.

Thompson and another pearl of the Aussie academy, Alexei Popyrin. And Hewitt is not forgetting his best doubles man, John Peers, a safe bet.

Hewitt is himself a legend in this competition as the Australian with the most victories (59), the most years played (19) and the most ties played (43). He has also won the Davis Cup twice (1999 – his debut year, and 2003). His astuteness continues to serve his country even from the bench, as was evident in the hotly contested 2020 Qualifier against Brazil. He was unable to field his two best players, Nick Kyrgios and de Minaur, who were injured, but led John Millman and Jordan Thompson to their best performances to win 3-1.

Hungary, a wolf in sheep's clothing

De Minaur has established himself, at 22, as the 'Aussie' No. 1. Hewitt has total confidence in him, perhaps because he has helped polish this diamond: "He's a sensational player. In my opinion, he's possibly the fastest guy on the circuit. It's fantastic how he gets back into position after hitting the ball. He's got great footwork, very good balance...". Equally committed are Millman,

The third team in contention is Hungary, one of the countries with the longest Davis Cup tradition, having made its debut in 1924. On paper, they are less fancied than their rivals but it would be wise not to write them off. Their No. 1, Marton Fucsovics, is one of those players that nobody wants to face, not just because of his game but also because of his mentality: he never lets his head go down. He scored some outstanding victories in 2020 against the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov, Denis Shapovalov and Jannick Sinner. He also put up a real fight to get past Andrey Rublev in the round of 16 at Wimbledon this year. Attila Balasz, meanwhile, is always at his best when competing for his country. The combination that he forms with Fucsovics, with whom he can also play doubles when necessary, is a guarantee for captain Gavor Koves.

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Group E: Pure dynamite The USA, with the most Davis Cup titles, meet Italy, the team bursting with young talent, and Colombia, the team with one of the best doubles pairs in the world. It's going to be exciting.

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Group E

players to choose from. He led the team to a 4-0 victory in the Davis Cup by Rakuten Qualifiers 2020 against Uzbekistan, which marked the farewell of a legendary doubles team, the best pair in history, twins Bob and Mike Bryan. They were joined by Reilly Opelka, Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.

United States Italy Colombia

he United States, Italy and Colombia will face each other at the Pala Alpitour Arena in Turin in Group E of the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals. The group has two outstanding contenders: the Americans – top seeds and with the most Davis Cup titles (32, although the last one was in 2007); and the Italians, a talented and ambitious squad with a sensational group of young players, as well as Fabio Fognini who gives the team character, and a new captain, Filippo Volandri. They will be joined by Colombia, who have qualified for the Finals for the second time and will have to cope with the absence of Santiago Giraldo, who retired in October 2020.

United States, dreaming of another title With 12 players in the world's top 100, US captain Mardy Fish has a wide range of

American tennis has been dreaming about another title for a long time. The times when US players dominated the Tour seem to be in the past, although these are times they would like to revive and they seem to be on the right track. Alongside John Isner, who at 36 is still going strong, a new and talented generation is emerging, led by another player of impressive height, Opelka (2.11m compared with Isner's 2.08m). Alongside them is Fritz – under 25 and ranked in the world top 30. Completing the team are two veterans, 29-year-old Jack Sock, a solid asset in the doubles where he will line up alongside 37-year-old Rajeev Ram, the world doubles No. 4. Group E will likely host some of the great duels of the Group Stage given the youth of the players. Watch out for Fritz who could be the perfect wildcard for Fish: he dominates his record against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini (2-0), Jannik Sinner (1-0), and Lorenzo Sonego (3-2).

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Sinner has become the youngest Italian tennis player to break into the world top 10. His precocious exploits mark him out as one of the men who will dictate the tennis Tour in the future. L oren zo Muset t i, mea nw h i le, bu r st onto the scene in 2021. He has wins over Kei Nishikori, Stan Waw rinka, Diego Schwartzman and Grigor Dimitrov and at the last Roland-Garros he had Novak Djokovic on the ropes, leading him by two sets to love in the last sixteen. And last but not least, Fognini. Is there anything left to discover about Fabio? At 34 years of age he is the heart and soul of the Italian team and a committed Davis Cup player. He has been defending the colours of Italy for 13 seasons, playing in 22 ties, with a sensational singles record: 23 wins to 9 losses. In short, it's a combination to be feared!

Colombia, strength in doubles Italy, the greatest tennis potential today Berrettini (25), Sinner (20) and Lorenzo Mussetti (19) represent the present and future of Italian tennis, with Sonego also in the pipeline. But you can't talk about Italy without mentioning Fabio Fognini, talented and passionate in equal measure. Italy comfortably overcame South Korea in the Qualifiers, winning 4-0 in Cagliari. Berrettini played his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon in 2021 (the first Italian finalist since Adriano Panatta at Roland-Garros in 1976) and it likely won't be his last. He is a top-10 player with victories over Dominic Thiem, Roberto Bautista, Karen Khachanov and Felix Auger-Aliassime and his consistency has been confirmed with two titles (Belgrade and Queen's), two other finals and his recent record in the Grand Slams – quarter-finals at Roland-Garros and the US Open, and the last 16 in Australia.

Colombia achieved a historic victory in the 2020 Qualifiers by beating Argentina - the 2016 Davis Cup champions - for the first time. Colombia's chances in the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals will inevitably come down to the doubles where Alejandro Falla has his two best players: Juan Sebastián Cabal and Robert Farah. But for them to play a decisive role the team must win in singles and all the pressure will be on the shoulders of Daniel Elahi Galan, their No. 1 player who is experiencing a period of renewal after the departure of Santi Giraldo. Cabal and Farah, former world No. 1s, will be a tough nut to crack in the Group Stage for the United States and Italy. Together they have 19 titles to their name (including two Grand Slams – Wimbledon and the US Open – both in 2019) and their matches become masterclasses on court. These two doubles matches could hold the key to a place in the quarter-finals, don't miss them!

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Serbs favourites in Group F With world No. 1 Novak Djokovic leading Serbia, captain Viktor Troicki will be confident of a successful stay in Innsbruck.

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Group F

his record-breaking number of weeks as world No. 1 and after almost two months away from the match court following his Flushing Meadows disappointment he will join captain Viktor Troicki’s team relatively fresh.

Serbia Germany Austria

djokovic out in front

he moment the best tennis player on the planet, Novak Djokovic, committed to Davis Cup duty to finish his season, Serbia became the obvious choice to finish top of Group F. With a place in history on the line, there will perhaps always be an air of disappointment when the Djokovic fans analyse their idol’s US Open final defeat to RTF’s Daniil Medvedev. The 34-year-old was playing for history and after winning the Australian Open, Roland-Garros and Wimbledon was one victory from becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the coveted ‘Calendar’ Grand Slam. While it was undoubtedly a missed opportunity, 2021 has still been a quite extraordinary year of domination for Djokovic. Those three major titles bring him alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 Grand Slam singles titles, he has extended

Ordinarily, a group that features Serbia, Germany and Austria would guarantee blockbuster singles meetings between Djokovic and Germany’s Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Alexander Zverev and Austria’s 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem. But with Zverev and Thiem both missing this time around, the world No. 1’s presence could prove decisive for the Serbs. Djokovic has a stellar Davis Cup record he’s won 34 of his 41 singles matches since his debut in 2004 - and he will be highly motivated to help deliver a second trophy for his nation after their title-winning run in 2010. That year, Djokovic won every one of his singles matches and that memorable run, one could argue, gave him the extra self-belief and fortitude to start growing his Grand Slam trophy cabinet in the years that followed. With no Thiem on the Austrian squad - he is hoping to make his comeback to

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the Tour in January after a lengthy wrist injury - the responsibility of leading the hosts is likely to fall on the shoulders of Dennis Novak. While the two have no previous meetings, Djokovic will be a strong favourite if he does face the ‘other’ Novak when the nations kick off Group F action on Friday November 26. The Austrian has never been higher than No. 85 in the rankings. With Zverev absent, Djokovic is expected to battle the giant Jan-Lennard Struff when Serbia meet Germany in the Group Stage. This will be another singles Djokovic will be expected to cruise through given he owns a 6-0 head-to-head record against the 6ft 4in 31-year-old. The Serb has won 15 of the 16 sets they have played. Troicki has the luxury of a choice between two world-class players to fill his second singles spot, either former world No. 26 Filip Krajinovic or Dusan Lajovic, who has

been as high as No. 23 in the world rankings. Both have reached an ATP Masters 1000 final in the past, Krajinovic in Paris in 2017 and Lajovic on clay in Monte Carlo more recently back in 2019. Arguably more comfortable on a hard court, Krajinovic seems the more obvious choice as Serbia’s second singles player and featured in that slot when the squad reached the quarter-finals in 2019. In one of his most memorable matches of 2021, the 29-year-old stretched Daniil Medvedev to five sets in the third round of the Australian Open in February. He could also be an option for doubles duty and played alongside Djokovic during the final weeks of the season. Laslo Djere and Miomir Kecmanovic - two players that have both won singles titles - complete the Serbian squad.

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a german threat

against Canadian world No. 11 at the time, Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Even without Zverev, however, the Germans shouldn’t be written off. Struff has many times proved to be a danger on all surfaces. The big German holds himself well on court, has an impressive air of confidence these days and his big game has delivered victories over top-20 players Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Stan Wawrinka and, recently, world No. 2 Medvedev. Another German, Dominik Koepfer, has been showing signs of finding form at just the right time too. The left-hander, who developed his game playing college tennis in the US, took a set off Djokovic in Rome during the autumn of 2020, lost a four-set thriller against Federer at Roland-Garros this spring and produced two of his most memorable victories indoors in Paris recently. The 27-year-old saved seven match points to beat Andy Murray and backed that up with his second-best win by ranking

After a recent run to the fourth round of the US Open, Peter Gojowczyk is a good option for German captain Michael Kohlmann should he need singles back-up and he also has a couple of doubles specialists on hand with two-time former Roland-Garros champion Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz, who at the time of writing has four doubles trophies to his name this season.

home hopes Even with passionate home support, the Austrians will find it hard going emerging from the group either as winners or one of the two best second-placed teams. Captain Stefan Koubek has Novak and Jurij Rodionov as his most obvious singles players, with Gerald Melzer and renowned team Oliver Marach and Philipp Oswald waiting in the wings for any deciding doubles matches.

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VA RTI E O P ICIN DE D A E N M ICI ED O R T S M P N IA E Y I N S P A P TER E R A O N H T U INM M U N O O R MIC R O - I M MIC

DEPORTE E INMUNIDAD El sistema inmunitario es considerado el pilar de nuestra salud. Su funcionamiento depende de varios factores, determinados no solo por nuestros genes, sino también por nuestra forma de vida y el entorno que nos rodea. La práctica regular de ejercicio físico, en el sentido de actividad física programada en forma de juego y entrenamiento, se ha convertido en un componente esencial del estilo de vida en el siglo XXI. Sin embargo, la actividad física intensa puede activar la liberación de las hormonas del estrés, causar una bajada de defensas (inmunodeficiencia) y por tanto aumentar la probabilidad de infecciones, por ejemplo en vías respiratorias o articulaciones. Por ello es importante tener en cuenta el sistema inmune al prevenir o tratar las patologías que pueden afectar a los deportistas. INMUNORREGULACIÓN MEDIANTE MICROINMUNOTERAPIA ¿Qué es la microinmunoterapia? La microinmunoterapia es un tratamiento farmacológico que pertenece al campo de la low-dose-inmunoterapia, manteniéndose en armonía con los mecanismos naturales del cuerpo. Su objetivo es regular el sistema inmune y restablecer su eficacia.

¡PON EN FORMA TU SISTEMA INMUNITARIO CON LA MICROINMUNOTERAPIA! • Combatir el estrés de la competición ligado a la preparación mental o la concentración • Atenuar los trastornos del aparato locomotor (por ejemplo, inflamación articular, fracturas, lesiones deportivas, artrosis) • Regular los procesos inflamatorios • Controlar los virus y tratar eficazmente cualquier alteración asociada (por ejemplo, infecciones recurrentes o fatiga crónica, infección por el Virus Epstein Barr #detectEBV) • Prevenir otras patologías (enfermedades autoinmunes) SPORTS AND IMMUNITY The immune system is considered the main pillar of our health. Its function depends on several factors, determined not only by our genes, but also our lifestyle and the environment that surrounds us. Exercising on a planned and regular basis, whether for professional or leisure-time training, has become an essential part of 21st century lifestyle. However, vigorous physical activity can trigger the release of stress hormones, leading to a lowering of defences (immunodeficiency) which increases the risk of respiratory or joint infections, among others. Hence the

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importance of addressing the immune system when preventing or treating pathologies that affect athletes. IMMUNOREGULATION THROUGH MICRO-IMMUNOTHERAPY What is micro-immunotherapy? Micro-immunotherapy is a therapeutic approach that belongs to the field of low-dose immunotherapy. It aims to regulate the immune system and restore its efficacy while respecting the natural functioning of the body GET YOUR INMUNE SYSTEM IN SHAPE WITH MICROIMMUNOTHERAPY! • Balance competitive stress associated with mental training or concentration • Attenuate musculoskeletal disorders (e. g. joint inflammation, fractures, sports injuries, osteoarthritis) • Regulate inflammatory processes • Keep viruses in check and effectively treat any associated disorders (e. g. recurrent infections or chronic fatigue, Epstein-Barr Virus infection #detectEBV) • Prevent other pathologies (autoimmune diseases) DESCUBRE MÁS SOBRE LA MICROINMUNOTERAPIA DISCOVER MORE ABOUT MICRO-IMMUNOTHERAPY

▶ ROBERTO BAUTISTA AND RAFA NADAL AFTER SPAIN WON THE DAVIS CUP, 2019

One story among many Speaking to everyone who was close to Roberto Bautista’s story back in 2019, one begins to understand the magnitude of the Davis Cup which, throughout its 121-year history, has played host to some great sporting and personal stories. The next big moment is about to happen.

WRITTEN BY ORIOL QUEROL KOSMOS STUDIOS, DIRECTOR. BREAK POINT: A DAVIS CUP STORY, DIRECTOR

adrid, Wednesday 20 x November 2019. The centre court of the Caja Mágica is home to a Davis Cup Group Stage clash between Spain and Croatia. It has taken less than an hour of play for Spain’s Roberto Bautista to finish off Nikola Mektic in a one-sided match. Bautista has a large grin on his face as he approaches the centre of the court to shake the hands of his opponent and the umpire. His captain, Sergi Bruguera, looks on with a serious expression. Bautista applauds the audience in thanks for their support. Looking back at that scene, knowing what we now know, is special. At the time it seemed like any other post-match celebration. But with hindsight, we now know Roberto Bautista’s life was about to change. The next few days would send him through a rollercoaster of emotions, but eventually his name would be written into tennis history. Shortly before the game, and w ith Roberto unaware, his wife, Ana, had been

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to talk to Bruguera. She had received a call from Alicante, Bautista’s home city. Roberto’s father, who was in hospital, was extremely ill and doctors believed it was only a matter of hours before he passed. Despite his immense tennis experience, Bruguera had never had to face something like this before. Ana, on the other hand, knew exactly what to do. She and Roberto had already discussed that if something like this were to happen, she should let him play and tell him after the match. And so, on that same Wednesday afternoon, Bautista went out and beat Mektic, before receiving the news in his hotel room later that day. The following morning, the Spanish team went down for breakfast, all except one. Bautista had left the Davis Cup competition to return to Alicante to be with his father for however long he had left. The news shocked his teammates, who had to carry on without him, representing their country on Bautista’s behalf.

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POSTER FOR BREAK POINT: A DAVIS CUP STORY, 2020. THE DOCUMENTARY WAS RELEASED IN NOVEMBER, 2020.

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Roberto arrived just in time to say goodbye to his father. Over a matter of hours, Bautista had been forced to endure both the euphoria of winning his Davis Cup tie in front of thousands of home fans as well as the loss of his father. Meanwhile, in Madrid, on Rafael Nadal’s instruction his teammates expressed their support for the tennis star, leaving a space free in the line-up during the national anthem. Bautista, in Alicante, got the message. What he, along with his teammates, was forced to endure was a story of misfortune, of losing a loved one during a competition that meant the world to him. But what makes the story extraordinary, as told in the documentary Break Point: a Davis Cup Story (Kosmos Studios, 2020), is what came next.

The following morning, Bautista left his house to attend his father’s funeral but before leaving, unknown to anybody else, he put his rackets in the boot of the car. As soon as the funeral was over, without telling anyone, he got behind the wheel and set off for Madrid to return to the competition. By the time he arrived, Spain had already qualified for the semi-finals of the competition. His teammates Rafa Nadal, Feliciano Lopez, Marcel Granollers and Pablo Carreño, under the watchful eye of Sergi Bruguera, about to face Great Britain for a place in the final, could not be stopped. And to their surprise, Bautista had returned to cheer them on. The pressure was on. But the Spaniards, fuelled by the emotion of what had happened to their teammate, refused to give in to a strong British team,

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WHEN NADAL GOT UP, HE LOOKED FOR BAUTISTA AMONG HIS TEAMMATES AND FOUND HIM. THE PUBLIC SAW A POWERFUL MOMENT BUT BEHIND THAT EMBRACE WAS A HIDDEN STORY, FULL OF EMOTION AND SUFFERING.

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with Nadal and Lopez sending their nation through to the final. But the biggest surprise was still yet to come. Bautista, after originally returning just to cheer on his teammates, offered to play the first match of the final. To the crowd’s astonishment, he put in a clinical performance to beat young Canadian Felix AugerAliassime in what became one of the most emotional moments the Spanish national team had witnessed. Nadal finished off the Canadians, beating Denis Shapovalov in the second match and threw himself to the ground, swarmed by his team. When he got up, he looked for Bautista among his teammates and found him. The public saw a powerful moment but behind that embrace was a hidden story, full of emotion and suffering. That is exactly the job of those of us who make documentaries and sports series: to tell the story behind the great sporting moments. During the production of Break Point: a Davis Cup Story, I was lucky enough to interview the main figures in the story:

Spaniards, Canadians, Russians and the British. And of course, Roberto Bautista, someone who had the good fortune and misfortune to find himself in one of the most extraordinary personal situations in the history of tennis. The 2019 final, played by Nadal and Bautista, is the last to date following the cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the pandemic. But, with the 2021 Davis Cup just around the corner, stay tuned as the next big moment is about to happen.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH BREAK POINT: A DAVIS CUP STORY ON RAKUTEN TV.

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A Sharp Look 40 Years of Coverage Paul Zimmer has been documenting the Davis Cup for more than forty years. The tournament has taken the award-winning photographer to all corners of the globe and over the decades he’s developed a love for the competition and an appreciation that it is very different, and very special.

WRITTEN BY PAUL ZIMMER DAVIS CUP PHOTOGRAPHER ALL PICTURES © PAUL ZIMMER

first started taking photographs in the early 1970s. I was a big fan of skiing, and particularly of Olympic champion, the Italian Gustav Thöni. I first met him when I was about 10 years old; he won a gold and silver at Sapporo 1972 and I was a big fan. He was very nice, he would ski with me and invited me along to his races. My father bought me a camera and I had to finance a lens. So that’s how my photography career started – on World Cup skiing races. ▶ YANNICK NOAH LIFTING STEFAN EDBERG AFTER FRANCE BEAT SWEDEN IN THE FINAL, 1996

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01. ANDRE AGASSI TAKES A BREAK DURING A DAVIS CUP TIE 02. JOHN McENROE, 1980 03. USA TEAM FOLLOWING VICTORY AGAINST SWITZERLAND, 1992 04. JOHN McENROE, 1979

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In 1974, Erich Baumann, a very famous German sports photographer from my region, asked me to work for him and offered to teach me. I was still at school, but I would sometimes go to maybe five different sports events in one weekend, all across Germany. It was a fantastic opportunity to start to work for papers and magazines, and to see my pictures in print. I left school and moved to Parma in Italy to study medicine. In the autumn of 1979, there was a Davis Cup tie. Italy, with famous players Adriano Panatta and Corrado Barazzutti were hosting Czechoslovakia in Rome. The Czech team included Tomas Smid, Pavel Slozil, and a young Ivan Lendl – at that time he was just 19. I drove the 450km from Parma to Rome and because I had no money as a student I had to sleep in the car. But that was my first experience of the Davis Cup and I loved it.

it’s a global event For me, part of the excitement of the Davis Cup is that it starts with the draw. Now it’s a little different, but every year there’s a draw. It’s like a lottery. Like many people, I had dreams of wanting to see the world and with the Davis Cup I’ve seen all the continents. It’s so interesting because you see different cultures, you can use your different languages and because of its global nature I think the Davis Cup brings us more than any other tournament. I was in Lebanon two years ago, it was fantastic to see Lebanon, I was in Uzbekistan, in Kazakhstan. And all these different nations welcomed us as guests, as spectators, as competitors or as members of the media. I’ve had wonderful moments everywhere. So, even now, it’s still a moment of joy when the draw takes place and I see maybe where I can go.

the Davis Cup has an atmosphere like no other The atmosphere at Davis Cup ties is normally so enthusiastic. Sometimes in Germany it can be a bit like being in church, we Germans sometimes find it difficult to express too much. It was different with Boris Becker though, that was a whole different atmosphere. But if you go to Spain, especially when Spain play in the big bullrings, it’s fantastic, it’s absolutely fantastic. And then when you go to South America – well, you can’t beat this atmosphere. I have pictures of Russian president Boris Yeltsin running on court embracing Marat Safin and the team captain Shamil Tarpischev; that wouldn’t really happen in any other sport or any other competition. I remember when Great Britain won in 2015 after such a long time with Andy Murray and the others. It was something very, very special.

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To my mind, the Davis Cup is so far ahead of all the other team events. The performance is so much higher. And because of its long history there is great enthusiasm from the public, and enthusiasm from the host nations. That’s a really important part of the Davis Cup for me. The atmosphere.

The Davis Cup is important for players, for nations, for everybody.

as a photographer, the Davis Cup provides some amazing opportunities When players are competing at this level, the highest level, they deliver you fantastic photographs. Don’t forget, I come from a medical background – I’m really interested in the human body and its athleticism. At the beginning when I started, Yannick Noah was my idol. When somebody can perform like that, it’s amazing. He was so athletic, it was admirable. Boris Becker was also unbelievable how he was diving, but also Novak Djokovic,

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how he stretches and how he fights for every ball – it’s outstanding. And then there’s Gael Monfils. He always showed his guts, he showed everything, and was incredibly athletic. The ITF and the people from the Davis Cup, they always look after the photographers in their nations. It’s so important to document the ties, and the organisers and players generally have a great relationship with the photographers. It’s good to be part of the Davis Cup.

05. BORIS YELTSIN AND SHAMIL TARPISHEV, 2006 06. NOVAK DJOKOVIC IN THE DAVIS CUP FINAL, 2010 07. GAEL MONFILS IN A MATCH AGAINST GERMANY, 2011 08. ANDY MURRAY LOOKING AT THE DAVIS CUP TROPHY, 2015

the Davis Cup trophy means so much to everyone You don’t often see big champions in other sports kneeling down on the floor and looking for names on the cup. But I have a photo of Andy Murray doing just that when they won in 2015. The trophy, and winning it, is something very special.

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09. GERMAN TEAM AFTER WINNING AGAINST THE USA, 1985 10. STEFAN EDBERG, 1994 11. BORIS BECKER, 1995 12. MICHAEL STICH, 1995 13. PETE SAMPRAS, 1995

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Like John Newcombe k issing Tony Roche after Australia won the Davis Cup in 1999. They were both in their mid 50s and had won the Davis Cup more than five times together, but that win was still special to them. Or like in 2016, the celebrating fans almost mobbed Juan Martin del Potro after Argentina’s victory. You’ll never see that at a Grand Slam. If you look at the picture, you’ll see that he almost can’t breathe because the public is congratulating him so much. But then I took a picture of del Potro and the team in a quieter moment too, just them and the cup, and that tells a big story as well. One of my favourite photos is from 1985. Germany had lost in the final to Sweden. Boris Becker told Stefan Edberg in Munich, ‘At least I would like to touch the cup. I want to feel how the cup is. For next time. To win next time.’ And Edberg is smiling and from the photo you can see the spirit and importance of the Davis Cup. This was the same year

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that Boris won Wimbledon, this was only a couple of months later. I love those pictures of the cup being polished. I like those kinds of pictures, showing what goes on behind the scenes. The trophy is beautiful. It’s one of the pinnacles of our sport to win that cup. the Davis Cup is an event for the whole team One picture I have is with [Marin] Cilic. It’s just him and many hands, and for me it symbolises the team effort and that behind the players are many hands. When someone is winning for their country, there are many people involved. the Davis Cup shows players in a different light Players can be very different when they play in the Davis Cup. During the year, for 99% of their career, they are solo,

egoistic players. I’ve seen players developing and changing because of their experience in the Davis Cup. A good example is Novak Djokovic. When Serbia won in 2010, from then on, he changed a bit. To win Wimbledon is something very personal but if you are winning with friends and you are winning the Davis Cup for your nation then that’s even more special. I have a photo from the Champions’ Dinner in 2009. It was always a fantastic event as it brought all the nations together. Those who were playing in the Davis Cup for the first time had to make a speech in front of everyone else. A young Rafa Nadal is in the picture – it’s different, you don’t usually see him like that.

14. JOHN NEWCOMBE KISSING TONY ROCHE AFTER AUSTRALIA WON THE DAVIS CUP, 1999 15. JUAN MARTÍN DEL POTRO SURROUNDED BY FANS AFTER ARGENTINA WON THE DAVIS CUP, 2016 16. BORIS BECKER TOUCHING THE DAVIS CUP TROPHY NEXT TO STEFAN EDBERG, 1985 17. SPANISH TEAM AT THE CHAMPIONS' DINNER, 2009 18. MARIN CILIC BEING SURROUNDED BY HIS TEAM, 2016

in the Davis Cup every tie is different I have a great photo of a digger destroying a clay court. This is one of the

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19. BORIS BECKER AFTER THE MATCH WITH McENROE, 1987 20. JOHN McENROE DURING THE MATCH WITH BECKER, 1987 21. FRENCH TEAM AFTER THEIR DOUBLES VICTORY, 2017 22. PREVIOUS FRENCH DAVIS CUP PLAYERS SUPPORTING THEIR TEAM FROM THE SIDELINES, 2013

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beauties of the Davis Cup – the host nation can choose the playing surface. That photo was from France and their tie against Switzerland. The French calculated that a clay court was Roger Federer’s weakest surface, so they put a clay one in but didn’t get the result they wanted. Switzerland won their first tie there. You can probably tell that the Davis Cup always fascinates me. I cover the Grand Slams and tennis tournaments around the world, but the Davis Cup is the biggest event (except Wimbledon) that I want to cover. Because you will always be surprised – you never know who will win, even with a host nation choosing the playing surface or having home advantage. The 1995 semi-final between the Russians and Germany was in Moscow. Germany played with Stich and Becker, who were both almost unbeaten at that time. They were so sure of the outcome and had already hired the venue for the final against the Americans. But Stich

did not make one of his nine match points against Andrei Chesnokov and the one big story about that is that in the Davis Cup you never know what is going to happen. the Davis Cup is a showcase for camaraderie In 1996, France beat Sweden in the final, but during the celebrations Yannick Noah lifted Stefan Edberg on to his shoulders. He was running around the court – and everyone, including Edberg, was clapping. The tournament is very special for friendships. And then I have a picture, also of France, from 2013. While you can see the team lined up on the court, it’s also the team on the sidelines that’s so important in the Davis Cup. France is a great example where all the players that have ever played Davis Cup before are invited to be there to support the team. Of course, it’s not always the case. Sometimes it’s purely a fight. There

are pictures of Becker against John McEnroe from 1987. It was a milestone match – America were big favourites and the Germans were the underdogs. Both were playing to avoid relegation; the losing country would have to play in the lower group. The match lasted 6 hours, 21 minutes and ended with Becker beating McEnroe. And after the second set McEnroe was pumped up and took a flag from the crowd, and then at the end Boris took a flag and then laid down on court – he was totally finished. It had been an epic battle. There is so much respect among players and teams for each other. It’s something I think is really special about the Davis Cup, and it’s very important. AT THE DAVIS CUP BY RAKUTEN FINALS 2021, PAUL WILL BE JOINED BY A SMALL POOL OF EXCEPTIONAL TENNIS PHOTOGRAPHERS – SEE THEIR PICTURES BY FOLLOWING @DAVISCUP ON INSTAGRAM.

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23. AUSTRALIA WIN THE DAVIS CUP, 1999 24. SPANISH TEAM AFTER WINNING THE DAVIS CUP, 2000 25. SERBIA CELEBRATES THEIR DAVIS CUP WIN, 2010 26. ARGENTINA WITH THE DAVIS CUP TROPHY, 2016 25

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E C N E I R E EXP E C N E I R E EXP E C N E I R E P X E E C N E I R E P X E E C N E I R E P X E E C N E I R E EXP E C N E I R E P X E E C N E I R E P X E 168

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E E E E E E E E

The Experience The Davis Cup is about more than tennis, it’s about the whole experience. Madrid, Innsbruck and Turin are all welcoming fans with fabulous cultural, artistic, and culinary offerings making a stay in each city an exciting part of being at the Davis Cup finals.

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We believe that sport has the power to bring people together, which is something we need right now. Interviewing Mickey Mikitani Founder and CEO of the Rakuten Group

Mickey Mikitani is the founder and CEO of the Rakuten Group, a global leader in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications with 1.5 billion members around the world. Rakuten is passionate about sport. It owns a professional Japanese baseball team and soccer club. It has forged partnerships with champion clubs including La Liga’s FC Barcelona and the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. For Mickey, tennis is the sport nearest and dearest to his heart. He is a regular on the court and traveled across the world to attend the first Davis Cup held in its new “World Cup of Tennis” format in Madrid in November 2019. Mickey is also excited about the new facets of this year’s tournament — the longer duration and multi-city format provide an incredible opportunity to reach more fans and spread more joy.

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At Rakuten, our core values include teamwork, leadership, hard work, ambition, humility and respect, all of which are required in sport. What makes tennis particularly special for you? MICKEY MIKITANI IS THE FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE RAKUTEN GROUP.

Tennis has played a special role in my life ever since my father took me to the local tennis club when I was in junior high school. I dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player. At Hitotsubashi University, I captained the tennis team and that’s where I began to learn the value of pushing the limits and gaining the competitive edge. I’ve been able to carry many of those lessons from the court with me into my business career, which has allowed me to grow Rakuten from an online marketplace with just 13 shops and two employees into a global company with more than 25,000 employees in 30 different countries and regions. I still love to play tennis with my family. What distinguishes the Davis Cup? The Davis Cup enjoys a rich, 121-year history. As the largest annual team competition in the sport, the Davis Cup unites fans around the world in a unique way that sets it apart from other tennis events. But it isn’t only the format and heritage of the event that makes it unique. The Davis Cup also embraces innovation and change in a way that sets it apart. In 2019, we implemented the World Cup-style format, which brought together players from 18 different countries, and culminated in a week-long season finale. As incredible as that tournament was, I think this year’s edition has the

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potential to be even more memorable. This year the tournament will be spread across three host countries, bringing the live excitement of the Davis Cup to even more fans. Rakuten will also be creating a number of new initiatives and programs to enhance the fan experience. Rakuten partnered with the Davis Cup in 2019. What are your most important accomplishments together since then? At the 2019 tournament, our interactive booths offered visitors the chance to experience different Rakuten services, including Virtual Reality experiences, an attraction allowing fans to take a 360° video or commemorative photo with the championship cup, and more. We also found new ways to honor the event’s incredible performers, creating two new awards: the Rakuten Optimism Award for the Most Inspiring Player, which went to Rafael Nadal, and the Rakuten Optimism Award for Most Inspiring Team, which went to Serbia. We welcomed top-tier tennis players like Nadal and Novak Djokovic, pop superstar Shakira and thousands of enthusiastic attendees. And most importantly, the event on the court was tremendously entertaining. Rakuten TV produced a popular original documentary about the tournament, Break Point, which is available for free on Rakuten TV in 43 countries and regions across Europe, and I recommend to any fans of the sport. The landscape of the global sports world has shifted dramatically over the past year and a half.

What opportunities do you see arising from these shifts? Sport has the unique power to uplift people and bring them together. Rakuten means “optimism” in Japanese, and we are always looking for opportunities to help people discover joy, especially within the context of the global pandemic and the lockdowns around the world. In many cases, fans are unable to attend matches in person. We are able to deliver in-home experiences to fans which can be just as enjoyable. Whether it’s streaming matches online with friends or catching up with short-form content by sending messages and clips via Rakuten Viber, our services empower connections. The format of the tournament has changed for this 109th edition. What excites you most about these changes? At Rakuten, our core values include teamwork, leadership, hard work, ambition, humility and respect, all of which are required in sport. By partnering with teams, athletes and leagues, we empower and inspire individuals and communities around the world and help make dreams come true. We believe that sport has the power to bring people together, which is something we need right now. We want to ensure a wonderful Davis Cup experience, not just for the fans who are able to attend in person, because of various COVID-19 guidelines, but also for the millions who are unable to. Our collaborations this year have a big focus on out-of-venue, digital and social content, including a special tennis ball art installation, which allowed fans to share online messages of support for the 18 finalist national teams they are supporting. Those messages have been printed on tennis balls and canvas, and arranged into giant art installations — one for each national team in the colors of the national team’s flag — to be displayed at the venues where they are playing, bringing communities together and fans one step closer to their favorite players. And that’s just the beginning; I’m looking forward to my fellow tennis fans around the globe connecting with this historic event!

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A whole region to discover. Come and enjoy it! The Region of Madrid is much more than just the city. Beyond the capital, the region includes an endless number of charming places that reflect its historical and contemporary influence. THE LANDSCAPE OF LIGHT

CASTLE OF MANZANARES EL REAL

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ROYAL MONASTERY OF SAN LORENZO DE EL ESCORIAL

PICASSO’S “GUERNICA”, IN MUSEO NACIONAL CENTRO DE ARTE REINA SOFÍA

As well as tennis, the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals 2021 experience is perfectly complemented by the many attractions in Madrid and its surrounding area, beyond the city itself. Take time to discover it!

Cycling deserves a special mention for those seeking outdoor adventures on wheels: the CiclaMadrid programme offers a 420-kilometer perimeter route, helping you to discover the region’s main attractions by offering tips and routes through a specially designed app.

The Region of Madrid offers visitors a wealth of historical and artistic treasures, a reflection of its splendid past and current vitality. Madrid is a region where a lot is within walking distance and there is something to satisfy all types of visitor.

Back in the city, there are plenty more places of interest to enjoy. How about a visit to one of the Centennial Restaurants and Taverns of Madrid to taste the best of traditional cuisine: Casa Botín (since 1725); the oldest restaurant in the world, Posada del Villa (1642); Casa Pedro (1702), Lhardy (1839), or Malacatín (1895) among others. Take note: the region also has its own Protected Designation of Origin Wines – Wines of Madrid.

The region has five locations included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Alcalá de Henares, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Aranjuez, and the Montejo beech forest were recently joined by the Paseo del Prado and the Buen Retiro, an area dedicated to the arts and sciences, also known as the landscape of light.

And the variety of shows and nightlife that Madrid offers is a perfect way to end the day. There are theatres, tapas at any hour, bars in the busy neighbourhoods of Santa Ana or Las Letras – there is something for everyone who wants a great night out in the city.

Outside the capital, don’t miss a tour of the Villas de Madrid. These 11 towns have a special charm and have preserved their heritage and traditions whilst offering a high level of tourist facilities. In addition, history lovers could take the route through the Castles of Madrid composed of six fortresses and castles built between the 12th and 16th centuries, including the magnificent Castle Manzanares El Real.

FLAMENCO SHOW FROM EL CORRAL DE LA MORERÍA

Those looking for natural spaces and outdoor sports also have lots to enjoy. The Region of Madrid is surrounded by spectacular scenery that is celebrated for its biodiversity, conservation and beauty. These outstanding locations include the Montejo Beech Forest, the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and the Biosphere Reserves of Sierra del Rincón and the Upper Basin of the Manzanares River, as well as many other protected areas.

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Madrid: Capital of Sport Few cities in the world enjoy sport as much as Madrid. This isn’t just because the Spanish capital regularly attracts major events in popular sports such as football, tennis and cycling, but also because of a growing number of passionate fans in the city.

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Part of Madrid’s tourist appeal is its role as host to world-class sporting events. Sustainable sport Madrid also has an extensive network of green spaces to promote sustainable sport and leisure including a variety of options for walking and cycling. The city also has some excellent running routes, such as in Madrid Río, with more than ten kilometres on offer as well as a wide range of sports and leisure facilities for the whole family. The Parque Lineal del Manzanares spans both banks of the river and covers an area of almost 42 hectares. The Casa de Campo is the largest public park in Madrid, and the Parque del Oeste covers almost 100 hectares and is very close to the Temple of Debod. Another healthy and sustainable option is to explore the city by bicycle either by renting a bike or by taking a guided tour. A standard for major events Part of Madrid’s tourist appeal is its role as host to world-class sporting events. Spectators can enjoy watching top players in the best matches in the best venues, from international tennis such as the Mutua Madrid Open or the Davis Cup by Rakuten, to golf tournaments, athletics events, football, basketball or horse racing. More than sport

Sport is integral to life in Madrid – it’s a health and wellbeing choice encompassing values including teamwork, companionship, discipline and effort. The Spanish capital also has a wealth of state-of-theart venues capable not only of hosting major international events, but of welcoming the many locals and visitors who want to take part in the different sports the city has to offer.

Visitors here to enjoy the international sporting calendar also have the bonus of a wide array of leisure and cultural attractions. Madrid has world-class museums, including the Paseo del Prado and the Buen Retiro, both on Unesco’s World Heritage list. The city offers a wide range of musicals and theatre shows, Michelinstarred restaurants at the forefront of culinary art, traditional artisan workshops selling authentic handmade products, and, above all, an unbeatable lifestyle, all of which make Madrid a winning destination.

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Be more than a Davis Cup fan with the $DAVIS Fan Token $DAVIS is for everyone! – no matter where you are, if you’re a tennis fan, your voice will be heard & your passion recognized. Find out everything you should know about what a Fan Token is and how it works in the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals 2021. what is $DAVIS?

$DAVIS rewards

$DAVIS is the name of the only official Davis Cup Fan Token. Fan Tokens are digital assets that never expire. Think of them as your traditional membership, only with voting rights on official decisions, unrivalled access to the tournament and incredible once in a lifetime experiences. Nevermind. Don't think of them as a traditional membership.

$DAVIS Fan Token holders have the chance to be rewarded with VIP access to all matches. But that’s just for starters. From signed memorabilia to watching a match with a legend, the sky really is the limit. You can earn Fan Rewards by participating in tournament decisions and using our in-app features.

$DAVIS fan decisions

$DAVIS is for life

The Davis Cup by Rakuten will use the Socios.com App as a platform for Fan Token holders to have their say on official tournament decisions. The polls are up to the organisation, but the decision made by fans is final. In the past, Fan Token holders of other sporting brands have voted on a host of things, including kit designs, bus designs, official team motto, and even starting XI.

Just like your passion for tennis, Fan Tokens are forever. Once you acquire them, they are yours to use over and over again. Even after numerous votes and Fan Rewards, you retain all your $DAVIS Fan Tokens. No weekly, monthly or yearly re-subscription is required.

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Fiction or non-fiction? Novels or essays? Great classics or modern works? What are some of the stars of the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals reading and what do they recommend? Take a look at their choices and if you don't already have them at your fingertips, find them on the Kobo ebook platform.

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Der Medicus (The Physician) Noah Gordon German captain Michael Kohlmann’s recommendation

For me, reading books from past times, especially the Middle Ages, is always exciting. A book that I devoured was Der Medicus from Noah Gordon. Other than that, I also love reading thrillers. Synopsis A child holds the hand of his dying mother and is terrified, aware something is taking her. Orphaned and given to an itinerant barber-surgeon, Rob Cole becomes a fast-talking swindler, peddling a worthless medicine. But as he matures, his strange gift—an acute sensitivity to impending death—never leaves him, and he yearns to become a healer. Arab madrassas are the only authentic medical schools, and he makes his perilous way to Persia. Christians are barred from Muslim schools, but claiming he is a Jew, he studies under the world’s most renowned physician, Avicenna. How the woman who is his great love struggles against her only rival—medicine—makes for a riveting modern classic.

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Tómate un respiro (Take a Break) Dr. Mario Alonso Puig Spanish player Roberto Bautista’s recommendation

I recommend this book because what it says can be applied at any time in life and to any situation, from the most ordinary to the most important. Synopsis Dr. Mario Alonso Puig is a reference for self-help. His new book immerses us in the world of Mindfulness. Using a solid scientific basis, he talks about possibilities, opportunities and plans, not beliefs or dogmas. “We must pay attention to see things as they are.” The practice of Mindfulness makes us realise the extent to which our mental projections alter our perception of reality. Mindfulness can help us to improve our health, combat stress, anxiety and depression, and enhance creativity. It is the ability to be fully present. Only available in Spanish.

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L'Alchimista (The Alchemist) Paulo Coelho Italian captain Filippo Volandri’s recommendation

I love Paulo Coelho. I like the way he writes. I've learnt a lot from him. Synopsis Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations. Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognising opportunity and learning to read the signs strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.

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L’eau rouge (Red Water) Jurica Pavicic Croatian Davis Cup player Marin Cilic’s recommendation

For me, it was one of the best crime novels I’ve ever read. The story is set in Croatia, but it has wide appeal, and recently received an award as best European crime book for 2021.

Synopsis Red Water reveals the upheavals of Croatian society on a grand canvas: the fall of communism, civil war, the collapse of the economy and industry, foreign investment and corruption... and tells how the traumas of history shape individual destinies. In a village on the Dalmatian coast, Silva, a 17-yearold girl, disappears during a fishermen's festival. It is a Saturday in September 1989, with Yugoslavia in full agony as it tears itself apart. The police investigation led by Inspector Gorki Šain reveals a more complex portrait of Silva than her family recognise. Only available in French.

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1795 Niklas Natt och Dag Swedish captain Robin Soderling’s recommendation

I recommend not only 1795 but also the two earlier books in this trilogy, 1793 and 1794. They transport the reader to the Stockholm of those years through complex intrigue and exciting characters. Synopsis The third and final part of the Bellman noir trilogy. Like a wounded animal, Tycho Ceton roams the city between the bridges, as he devises a plan to regain the glory he has lost. He will create a spectacle more astonishing, more breathtaking and more abysmally disgusting than anything yet seen in this wonderful and hideous Stockholm. The one person set on stopping him is Emil Winge, but he feels the support for his hunt beginning to wane. The paranoid authorities have more important things to worry about, and his henchman, Mickel Cardell, is preoccupied with his own hunt for Anna Stina Knapp, who has disappeared after the death of her two children. Only available in Swedish.

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Alex Ferguson, My autobiography Alex Ferguson Great Britain captain Leon Smith’s recommendation

I have always admired Sir Alex and this book offers a fantastic insight into how he led his players, teams and infrastructure of the football club. Details of his management and leadership skills were particularly of interest to me and I learned much from reading this book. He was manager for decades and always had core values that he instilled in those around him whilst at the same time evolving techniques in line with modern-day football. Synopsis Sir Alex Ferguson’s compelling story is always honest and revealing as he reflects on his managerial career that embraced unprecedented European success for Aberdeen and 26 triumphant seasons with Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson’s best-selling autobiography has now been updated to offer reflections on events at Manchester United since his retirement as well as his teachings at the Harvard Business School, a night at the Oscars and a boat tour round the Hebrides, where he passed unrecognised. The extra material adds fresh insights and detail on his final years as United’s manager.

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A legacy for more than 8,000 children

PICTURES FROM THE TENNIS HEALTH PROGRAMME EVENTS.

Throughout 2019 and 2021, the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals has provided a frame-work for the competition to positively impact more than 8,000 children through its Tennis Health programme, funded by the Region of Madrid.

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Across the Region of Madrid, during 2019 and 2021, the Tennis Health programme carried out tennis clinics in more than 80 schools, educational talks, two summer camps, ten Street Tennis programmes, an U-14 tennis competition and two Kids Days. The aim was simply to communicate the values of tennis and sport to children, as well as to promote healthy lifestyles. In total, more than 8,000 children took part in the activities, generating an important legacy that perfectly complements the commitment to elite sport.

“For us it has been tremendously positive to be able to organise this programme with the help of the Region of Madrid and we hope that with it, all these children and their families have felt closer to the competition,” says Enric Rojas, CEO of Kosmos Tennis. “Encouraging the values of sport among children is very important; the tennis players who take part in the Finals are an inspiration for them that we hope will endure over time”. The first stage of the 2021 programme was the mini-tennis clinics held in more than 40 schools, with educational talks and the

opportunity to play tennis with coaches from the Madrid Tennis Federation. Then, over four weeks in the summer, nearly 100 children received scholarships to take part in a week-long sports camp, with a special focus on tennis, completely free of charge. Some of them also received a visit from Roland-Garros champion Albert Costa. Street Tennis, meanwhile, visited six different locations throughout the region, installing tennis courts in key places, leading up to the Madrid Youth Finals on 22, 23 and 24 October, with presentations held in the Wizink Center.

In these matches, children from 18 sports clubs represented the 18 countries of the competition playing with the same format and draw, but with shorter matches. It was a unique experience in which they were also encouraged by messages from former world top-10 player and director of the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals 2021, Fernando Verdasco, as well as from Pato Clavet, a professional tennis player from Madrid. Tennis Health concluded at the Madrid Arena with a Kids Day on 24 November, with more than 300 children taking part in a variety of activities, including attending the Spanish team’s training session.

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The perfect sport for your life expectancy The health benefits of tennis Like any sport, tennis has its share of common injuries, but knowing about them and why they occur can help prevent them. WRITTEN BY HOSPITAL UNIVERSITARIO FUNDACIÓN JIMÉNEZ DÍAZ OFFICIAL MEDICAL SERVICES FINALS 2021

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of pace, aerobic capacity is key,” says Dr Carmelo Fernández, head of the Rehabilitation Service at the Madrid hospital. Also, thanks to the endurance that is developed, it is a great aid to weight loss.

They say that tennis is one of the most complete sports: you work both the lower and upper body, you need a good turn of speed to reach those difficult balls, and physical stamina to endure those long matches that extend over several tie-breaks.

But, like any other sport, tennis players are not exempt from injury. The most common are those that occur in the lower limbs, especially ankle sprains. Shoulder injuries are also common, “Young tennis players have looser shoulders, older players have more rotator cuff injuries,” says Dr Emilio Calvo, head of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Department at the Fundación Jiménez Díaz.

But perhaps what fewer people know is that by playing tennis you are prolonging your life expectancy. A study published in 2018 in the scientific journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings revealed that tennis was the sport you could play until the oldest age, extending your life by more than nine years compared to those who don’t play any sport at all. What could explain this?

Wrist injuries happen frequently, which is why it is important to learn the correct way to hold the racket; or hip injuries, which are caused by the force with which the player hits the ball and the pressure on the supporting foot. In the amateur player, the most common injury is tennis elbow or epicondylitis, derived fundamentally from “the absence of a correct technique that causes the vibrations of the ball to go to the racket, and from the racket to the elbow”, points out the specialist of the Fundación Jiménez Díaz.

“Physically, it promotes mobility and flexibility, and strengthens muscles and bones. And as it is an aerobic exercise, it also improves cardiovascular and respiratory health”, says Dr. Miguel Orejas, a specialist cardiologist at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, a facility of the Quirónsalud group that acts as the Official Medical Services Provider for the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals 2021. Tennis is a sport that involves the use of practically all the important joints and muscles of the body, which is why it is biomechanically excellent. It also increases coordination skills, as you need to react to the path of the ball on the court – moving from one side of it to the other as well as working with your arms, exerting maximum power on each shot.

“Proper technique, as well as knowing the main injuries and why they can occur, helps players to prevent them,” says Dr. Almudena Fernández Bravo, a specialist from the centre’s Rehabilitation Service, who stresses the importance of seeking the best specialist and comprehensive medical advice through the Sports Medicine and Traumatology Units.

“It is also good for cardiovascular health as it is an endurance sport. As it alternates a calmer game of rest and positioning with acceleration and changes

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Powerful emotions The Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals cannot be understood without the fans who cheer on their players in every match, no matter how long it lasts. Their colour, their passion, their emotions, have made the Davis Cup much more than just tennis. This year, they will also be able to send their messages of support via rakutenfans.com and to see them at each venue.

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DAVIS CUP MAG No. 2 Limited Edition November 2021

Editor in Chief Victoria Gracia Writers Lee Goodall, Neus Yerro, Kate Clark Contributors Tom Moran, Marianne Clark, Jago Jemmings, Francesca Paoletti Photography © Davis Cup Finals Asset Bank © ITF Asset Bank © Kosmos Tennis Creative Director Roger Julian Graphic Designer Neus Sáez Support Designer Roger Bacardit

A Kosmos Comms Department Production Senior Communications Director Laura Pérez de Mendiola Editorial Production (Madrid Edition) Editorial MIC

This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper. www.daviscupfinals.com Twitter: @DavisCup @CopaDavis Instagram: @DavisCup @CopaDavis #DavisCupFinals

ALL INFORMATION CORRECT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS (17TH NOVEMBER 2021).

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