Google News Unranked Daniil Ostapenkov, 18, reflects on stunning Diego Schwartzman in Davis Cup
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 4444
Unranked Daniil Ostapenkov surprised himself with the level of tennis he showed against world No. 15 Diego Schwartzman in their Davis Cup clash. Ostapenkov, who is ranked at No. 63 on the juniors rankings list, produced a stunning performance to shock top-ranked Argentine tennis player Schwartzman 6-4 6-3.
"I don't play like this on the Junior Tour. Today was different, a special match. I hope I can be at this level again in the next tournament," Ostapenkov said, per Tennis Majors. After the match, Schwartzman admitted he had no excuses for his performance.
"I have no excuses. I did everything wrong. I played way below my level. Did I know my opponent? No, I had no information about him," Schwartzman said.
Ostapenkov claimed one of the most shocking wins in Davis Cup history
Ostapenkov lost his service in the opening game of the match but responded with back-to-back breaks to take a 3-1 lead.
Ostapenkov got broken back in the fifth game but broke Schwartzman again in the eighth game to take a 5-3 lead. Ostapenkov failed to serve out for the opener in the ninth game but claimed his fourth break of the set in the 10th game to win the opener.
After winning the first set, Ostapenkov made a fast start to the second set as he won the opening four games. Ostapenkov lost one of his breaks in the fifth game but held on to his serve the rest of the match to book a straight-set win.
Schwartzman, a former world No. 8, said it was one of the worst matches of his professional career. On the other side, Ostapenkov claimed the biggest win of his career. "I could never find my way around the match. He played perfect.
His serve and forehand hurt me a lot. I also think it was one of the worst matches of my professional career," Schwartman said.