Medvedev seals Russia’s win over Germany in Davis Cup semis

Madrid, Dec 05 (AP): Daniil Medvedev had just put Russia into the Davis Cup final by sealing a win over Germany when he turned to the stands at Madrid Arena and started pointing repeatedly at the hard court beneath his feet.
He was here to stay in Madrid for one more day, to lead Russia against Croatia for the most illustrious team trophy in men’s tennis. The jeers poured down from the German fans and neutral Spaniards, but the world’s second-ranked player didn’t mind. In fact, he egged them on and defiantly stamped his foot before he pumped his fist to the Russian contingent soaking up their victory.
Medvedev said it was just his team’s way of celebrating in an imitation of other team sports like soccer where the stay calm’ gesture has become popular. And if the crowd took it wrong, so be it.
“We have a joke on the team when we practice or play cards, I have seen football players like Cristiano (Ronaldo) do it, we say calm, calm, calm’,” Medvedev said. So I decided to celebrate like this and everyone started whistling… I am just really happy we managed to still be here on Sunday.
Medvedev brushed aside Jan-Lennard Struff aside 6-4, 6-4 to seal the Russian victory on Saturday after Andrey Rublev won the opening singles over Dominik Koepfer 6-4, 6-0.
Germany won the doubles when Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz beat Aslan Karatsev and Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to make the final score 2-1.
Croatia awaits Russia after eliminating Novak Djokovic’s Serbia on Friday. Russia and Croatia will be aiming for a third Davis Cup title.
“Croatia is a very strong team, it has always been at the Davis Cup, Medvedev said. I am not expecting anything easy, so we will have to play our best to have our chances to win.
Medvedev reaches the final, where he should face Croatia No. 1 Marin Cilic, after not dropping a single set at the tournament.