Finland’s all-time tennis player piloted the men’s national team to a historic achievement. However, that is not enough for Jarkko Niemis.
The Finnish men’s tennis team made history by reaching the final stage of the Davis Cup for the first time, i.e. among the top eight countries.
No parties of any kind, Captain Jarkko Nieminen however, according to the achievement, it has not been arranged.
– It is not celebrated. Of course, we enjoy it and take all our self-confidence out of it. Let’s think about how everything can be done even better, Nieminen says in the Urheiluhullut podcast.
Nieminen, who rose to the absolute top of the tennis world in his own playing career, reminds us that the competition is still very much in progress.
– It’s a bit like feeling like we’re really far, the way we are. But the race is over. There have been a lot of hard wins, everyone knows how to enjoy it. The eye is on Malaga. It’s not time to celebrate yet.
The Davis Cup finals will be held in Malaga at the end of November.
Jarkko Nieminen has been piloting the national team since 2018. The traces of the captain’s work can be seen in many things.
– The most visible is certainly the selection of the team. Who is appointed to represent. And of course (during the games) coaching, nowadays you can also coach the men’s side from the stands, Nieminen reminds.
Communication and interaction with players and their teams play a big role in Nieminen’s work. The tasks also extend to the junior side.
– Following the national top, right from the juniors, their progress, Nieminen lists his tasks.
He tries to be on the map of the daily life of Finnish players as much as possible.
Coach of the year?
Sports fanatics are also discussing whether Nieminen, with his recent achievement, will enter the competition for the Coach of the Year title.
Surviving the final tournament in a global giant sport is a tough class trick. Never before has Finland even made it to the top sixteen countries in the Davis Cup.
The question makes Nieminen laugh at first, but after becoming serious, he says that he thought more about whether captain or coach is the right title for him.
– I certainly won’t refuse any choice. That term was considered more here. I don’t participate in councils. But I value choices and competitions, Nieminen continues.
The sports fanatics also discuss not only Finland’s most recent achievement, but also the sport’s extraordinary history, numerous special features and great personalities.
Which players’ skills did Nieminen admire and imitate during his career? Why does tennis focus on the personality of the players, not the nationality? Listen to Urheiluhullut from Areena.