Tennis-Finland hope to continue Davis Cup fairytale and inspire new generation

Tennis - Davis Cup - Finals - Canada v Finland - Palacio de deportes Martin Carpena, Malaga, Spain - November 21, 2023 Finland's Harri Heliovaara and Otto Virtanen shake hands during their quarter final doubles match against Canada's Alexis Galarneau and Vasek Pospisil REUTERS/Jon Nazca

MALAGA (Reuters) - Finland became the first Scandinavian country to make the Davis Cup semi-finals since Sweden in 2007 following a gutsy win over champions Canada on Tuesday and captain Jarkko Nieminen said their success can help grow the sport in the region.

Cheered on at the Finals in Malaga by thousands of Finnish fans who have made the nearby town of Fuengirola their home, the tournament outsiders prevailed 2-1 with Otto Virtanen and Harri Heliovaara securing a famous victory in the doubles decider.