Proud Hewitt praises team after reaching second straight Davis Cup final, ready for Serbia or Italy

Wins by Alexei Popyrin and Alex de Minaur gave Australia a 2-0 win over Finland in the semis

CTK Photobank / Panoramic

November 24, 2023

Lleyton Hewitt has achieved more than most in the Davis Cup, reaching four finals as a player (winning one) and now, after his side’s 2-0 win over Finland on Friday, leading his side to two finals as a captain.

And the former world No 1 was full of praise for his players after they saw off Finland thanks to singles wins by Alexei Popyrin and Alex de Minaur.

“Pride again, of the boys,” he said, asked what his overriding emotion was. “Like I said out on the court, no Davis Cup match is easy and you don’t take anything for granted and rankings get thrown out the window. We knew they were going to be tough opponents.

“Really proud of the boys. Alexei stood up when he needed to today. That was a big day for him, big result. Super proud of him. He’s done a lot of hard work. He was there in Manchester, put in the hours on the court. Supported the boys. He got his opportunity today and he took it with both hands.

“Then this guy (De Minaur) went out and did what he needed to do yet again.”

Hewitt: “I’ve got full confidence in my boys”

Australia will play either Serbia, led by world No 1 Novak Djokovic, or Italy, led by world No 4 Jannik Sinner, in Sunday’s final.

“Obviously we know Novak and Jannik are quality players,” he said. “Doesn’t matter if they play singles or doubles. We saw that with Jannik yesterday helping Italy go through.

“Doesn’t surprise me, though. You know, if the best guys, best singles players played in the world, played doubles week in and week out in all the majors, they would win plenty.

“So it’s more about who they match up with, I guess. That’s a telling factor. Both teams have options I think with who they play together. And then I’ve got full confidence in my boys. They know what they’re doing on a doubles court. Yeah, I’d have a lot of belief putting them out against anybody.”