Davis Cup Finals 2023: Finland becomes first Scandinavian country to reach Davis Cup semifinals since 2007

Sweden was the last side to reach the semifinals way back in 2007.

Finland men's tennis team create history by reaching the semifinals of Davis Cup Finals 2023 for the first time ever since the inception of the competition. By doing so, they become the first Scandinavian country since Sweden in 2007 to qualify for semis. Finland saw the back of defending champions Canada on Tuesday, beating them 2-1 in their last eight fixture. The Canadians faced a setback even before they took to court, with top star Felix Auger-Aliassime having to withdraw due to an injury.

In the opening match, Milos Raonic defeated Patrick Kaukovalta 6-3, 7-5 to give Canada a rousing start. Otto Virtanen turned the tables for Canada with a win against Gabriel Diallo 6-4, 7-5. Soon after he teamed up with Harri Heliovaara to beat Alexis Galarneau and Vasek Pospisil 7-5, 6-3 in the decider to seal Canada’s fate, much to the delight of Finland supporters in the stadium. The Finnish squad have taken on the role of giant killers in the Davis Cup 2023, defeating multiple Davis Cup title holder United States 3-0 in September. 

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic will take on Australia, with the winner facing Finland in the semifinals on Friday (November 24th). ATP Finals 2023 winner Novak Djokovic and runner-up Jannik Sinner will be seen in action on Thursday as Serbia faces Great Britain, and Italy battle it out with the Netherlands for a spot in the semifinals. 

Moreover, Andy Murray has been ruled out of the Great Britain squad for the Davis Cup finals 2023 final eight as he picked up a shoulder injury. The former Olympic champion had played a significant role in Great Britain’s 2015 Davis Cup triumph against Belgium. Cameron Norrie and Jack Draper will be leading the singles charges against the Serbian side.