Alexei Popyrin defeated Otto Virtanen in the first match of the Davis Cup semi-final (7-6 [5], 6-2). The Australian has however won two titles on the circuit (Singapore 2021, Umag 2023), and this year played a quarter-final at the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati. But according to him, nothing beats a first victory in the Davis Cup (he won a match against the Bosnian Nerman Fatic in 2019). During the final phase in 2021, he lost against the Croatian Gojo (7-6 [5]7-5).
“What was your first reaction when you found out you were going to perform?
The hairs stood up. Then we got to work. With the exception of the small corner we had behind the bench, the majority of the fans were Finnish. They sang in chorus, which gave me chills. It’s a nervousness I’ve never experienced in my life. I had to keep a cool head, focus on my serve and try to seize the opportunities that presented themselves.
“Being able to put on the green and gold, being able to go on the field, means giving your all. This is something that nothing will ever be able to match. »
What does this victory mean to you?
It’s probably the biggest victory of my career. No matter what format you play in, you play for your country. And at the end of the day, everyone dreams of playing for and representing their country. I was born there, I grew up there (he lives in Spain). All my first coaches were Australian. I admired Lleyton (Hewitt)I admired all the old Australian legends.
Being able to put on the green and gold, being able to go on the field, means giving your all. This is something that nothing will ever be able to match. Winning an ATP 250 title is not at all comparable. So for me, it was really the greatest moment of my career. Winning my first victory is something I will never forget.
Lleyton Hewitt experienced this in his time. What did he say to you to try to calm you down?
Already, I am always ready to play. And we believe in our captain. He is the one who makes the decisions. I just have to be ready when my name is called. On the set point that I had to defend, I told myself to concentrate on my serve, on technique. When it’s my serve, it’s my ball! In the match, you had to take a little risk, I did it. I believe in myself. I am capable of doing it. Lleyton also believes in me. That’s why he appointed me, so…”