The captain of the Finnish men’s national tennis team, Jarkko Nieminen, has signed a three-year contract extension with the Tennisliito. Finland will historically play in the Davis Cup finals at the end of the month.
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Janne Karinkanta
Finland’s all-time tennis star Jarkko Nieminen continues as captain of the Finnish men’s Davis Cup team with a three-year contract. Nieminen and CEO of the Finnish Tennis Association Teemu Purho told about it on Thursday.
– It feels really good. The previous three-year period came to an end. Both sides had a great will and motivation to continue the cooperation, which has worked excellently, says Nieminen.
The men’s national team captained by Nieminen made history in September, when it advanced to the Davis Cup finals for the first time among the top eight countries. The final tournament will be played in Malaga from the 21st to the 26th. November.
According to Purho, the tennis association has been really satisfied with Nieminen’s moves. The tennis boss emphasizes Nieminen’s ability to get the most out of the players in a tight spot.
– I appreciate, admire and wonder how he does it. It certainly comes from the fact that he is very close to the players and they have a good, trusting relationship. I think it will help him a lot, says Purho.
Did Nieminen’s new contract include a salary increase with good performances?
– Well, yes, compensations are always considered based on success. It is then up to us bilaterally what kind of increase it will be, says Purho.
Benefit from a long career
Nieminen has been piloting the national men’s tennis team since 2018. Before that, he played professionally from 2000 to 2015 and won two singles and five doubles ATP tournaments and was currently ranked 13th in the singles rankings.
The tennis captain feels that a long career in tennis has given him a good education to act as a captain.
– I think it’s natural to give experience back. If I can help tennis in any way, I want to do that. It’s really meaningful work. I’m constantly trying to think about how I could be more useful to Finnish tennis.
The captain’s role includes, for example, choosing and coaching the team, communicating with the players and their teams, and following the national team.
In Nieminen’s new contract, his work with the players has been further increased.