Sweden save match point to clinch world championship
Sweden beat Russia 2-1 in the final to win the World Team Championships on the clay courts in Düsseldorf on Saturday for their fourth title after 1988, 1991 and 1995.
The 44th world-ranked Robin Söderling took part in both winning rubbers, first beating 16th-ranked Mikhail Youzhny 6-3, 6-1 before teaming up with Robert Lindstedt to beat Mikhail Youzhny and Dimitry Tursunov 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 11-9 in the deciding doubles.
They saved a match-point in the final set of the crucial doubles.
In the other singles match, Igor Andreev saw off Thomas Johansson 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 but it did not stop Russia falling to their fourth losing final after 2000, 2001 and 2002.
"It was close. We saved a match point. It was a really big tie-break. I've never been this nervous in my whole life and maybe never been this glad in my whole life either. It's a great feeling," said Söderling.
"It's a great week to peak. It gives me a lot of confidence for next week in Paris (the French Open starts on Sunday). Hopefully I can continue to play well and hopefully I can win a couple of matches in Paris."
Youzhny said: "It was a very close match. We are upset for having lost in the final once again.
"But I'm sure we will back maybe next year to finally win the cup."
Comments
See Also
The 44th world-ranked Robin Söderling took part in both winning rubbers, first beating 16th-ranked Mikhail Youzhny 6-3, 6-1 before teaming up with Robert Lindstedt to beat Mikhail Youzhny and Dimitry Tursunov 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 11-9 in the deciding doubles.
They saved a match-point in the final set of the crucial doubles.
In the other singles match, Igor Andreev saw off Thomas Johansson 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 but it did not stop Russia falling to their fourth losing final after 2000, 2001 and 2002.
"It was close. We saved a match point. It was a really big tie-break. I've never been this nervous in my whole life and maybe never been this glad in my whole life either. It's a great feeling," said Söderling.
"It's a great week to peak. It gives me a lot of confidence for next week in Paris (the French Open starts on Sunday). Hopefully I can continue to play well and hopefully I can win a couple of matches in Paris."
Youzhny said: "It was a very close match. We are upset for having lost in the final once again.
"But I'm sure we will back maybe next year to finally win the cup."
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.