Orest TERESHCHUK: “We did not expect the draw, but the USA is at such a level”

Captain of the Ukrainian men’s tennis team Orest Tereshchuk In one of its comments, Sport.ua evaluated the results of the Davis Cup Qualifying round draw, in which the Ukrainian national team had to play the championship-winning USA team. The meeting will take place on February 2-3 or 3-4.

– What are your general impressions of the raffle results? Maybe you wanted to see another rival?

– To be honest, we had no expectations. They didn’t want to play with someone more and someone less. There is such a level that there is no weak opponent left. While some have 2-3 players in the top 100, the USA team has 10 players in the top 100 this week. I took the draw results calmly, but the US team is at such a high level that it will be interesting to play against them.

– How difficult is our job now that we are the other party?

– It is definitely more difficult for the leadership of this federation. We already talked about this, we don’t have much time. We should be playing at the beginning of February, a little over two months left. On the other hand, there would be an advantage if we played at normal times. More information about the venue will be announced next week.

– After successful performances in the national team, the results of our players in individual competitions are far from desired. Have you talked to them about this?

– Pity for both Alexey Krutykh and Vlad Orlov. They played great in the national team, but unfortunately they were not impressive in their personal performances. Let’s stay in touch. I hope they approach the match with the USA team in good shape, and that their personal performance will improve as we expect.

As for the squad, we will definitely invite the players who took part in the Colombia match. We will also talk to other athletes who could be the leaders of the team based on their ratings. But even if they consent, there is a decision for the players in the team to stay. Maybe someone else will be added.

– Will you be the national team captain for the match against the USA?

– Now there is such an agreement, there is planning.

– The last stage of the Davis Cup will end on Sunday. Did you manage to watch it and what were your impressions?

– The impressions are great, especially after yesterday’s semi-final match between Italy and Serbia. It was very cool. After that I support the Italians more in the finals, but before that it was not so important who would take the title. However, their match against Serbia deserves to be won.