In a thrilling Davis Cup showdown in Malaga, Finland stunned reigning champions Canada with a 2-1 triumph, catapulting themselves into the semi-finals for the first time in a fervent display of tennis prowess. 

The first singles rubber witnessed **Milos Raonic’s dominant 6-3, 7-5 victory over Patrick Kaukovalta for Canada, setting the stage for a gripping contest. Yet, Otto Virtanen’s resilient 6-4, 7-5 win against Gabriel Diallo breathed life into Finland’s campaign, paving the way for an exhilarating decisive doubles. Witness the best tennis game ever with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

Virtanen, brimming with enthusiasm, expressed, “We played really great doubles today… Why stop here, we have even more party on Friday,” encapsulating the team’s elation. Despite the absence of top-ranked players Felix Auger-Aliassime for Canada and Emil Ruusuvuori for Finland due to injuries, the stakes remained high.

Raonic’s commanding performance, marked by a formidable 18 aces, showcased his indomitable serve and prowess on the court. Despite a fervent display by Kaukovalta, he admitted, “I had no read for it at any point of the match,” acknowledging Raonic’s supremacy.

However, it was Virtanen’s stellar play that propelled Finland’s charge, earning admiration from the home crowd. “In front of these fans it just makes me play better every time,” Virtanen acknowledged, basking in the support that fueled his exceptional performance.

The thrilling doubles showdown witnessed Finland’s duo, Virtanen and Harri Heliovaara, emerging victorious against the Canadian pairing of Galarneau and Pospisil. Breaking at crucial junctures, the Finnish team secured a 7-5, 6-3 triumph, culminating in Virtanen sealing the victory with an ace.

Looking ahead, Finland eagerly anticipates their semi-final clash against either Australia or the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, Thursday’s action features ATP finals winner Novak Djokovic in Serbia’s face-off against Great Britain and Italy battling the Netherlands, promising further exhilarating encounters in the Davis Cup. Get the latest updates from the world of tennis only on Nextbet Sports.