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World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev listed Russia's win over France at the ATP Cup as one of the most emotional days of his career. Roman Safiullin, ranked at No. 167 in the world, gave Russia an early lead after surprising Arthur Rinderknech 2-6 7-5 6-3.
Medvedev had a chance to seal victory for Russia but Ugo Humbert claimed a shock win over Medvedev 6-7 (5) 7-5 6-3. Medvedev bounced back in the decisive doubles match as he and Safiullin beat Fabrice Martin and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-4 6-4.
“I definitely had some emotional moments in my career, but this one would be in the top three, top five, because just look at Roman's match,” Medvedev said in Russia’s post-match press conference, per the ATP Cup website.
“The way he fought back after [a] tough first set where we can say he lost it quite easily, and then the way he fought back, the way he played was unreal."
Medvedev was extremely emotional during the doubles match
“Today was really emotional.
In the doubles match I had a partner close to me and [it] is different when you have somebody by your side. The emotions I felt during the match already in the doubles when we broke in the second set was unbelievable, and I think I could hold them, but I didn't want to," Medvedev added.
Safiullin made his ATP Cup debut on Sunday and it could not have gone any better for him. After securing a surprise victory over Rinderknech, Safiullin also stepped up in the doubles and helped Russia beat France. “It was [a] great day for me,” Safiullin said.
“I just won one point. The second point I share with Daniil because we both won, of course. It's not like I brought two points and Daniil was sitting, like, ‘Come on, Roman’."