DAVIS CUP FINALS

November 28, 2021

Jaroslav Navratil

Tomas Machac

Team Czech Republic

Press Conference

SALISBURY-SKUPSKI/Vesely-Machac

6-4, 6-2

Great Britain - 2

Czech Republic - 1

THE MODERATOR: Captain, can you tell us how the week went, how the experience was of playing here.

JAROSLAV NAVRATIL: So we are losing both matches, but I am happy because when we are coming here before, nobody says that we have any chance to play here.

We have very big chance still end of the last match on the doubles to stay here and winning the group. So was very good for the players, especially for the young one, because they play first time Davis Cup, first time for the Czech Republic. We'll see in the future I hope they have a big chance maybe two, three years to coming and maybe play semifinals or finals. I hope that.

Here the atmosphere and organization was perfect, everything. We are going back to Czech Republic with many, many, many experience. Thank you.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Captain, were you surprised how well your team played today? Like you said, nobody gave you a chance before the tournament. You must be proud of your two young guys who played well in the singles today. What does that mean for Czech tennis in the future?

JAROSLAV NAVRATIL: What I says, I'm very proud with my team, all the guys. They play well tennis. They have tough group to play. Players like today, Norrie, No. 12 in the world, and Evans, No. 25 in the world.

I'm happy with this tennis, how they show us this tennis. I hope for the future, what I says, we have a good chance with our young team. We'll see. We'll see how it's going.

Q. Tomas, obviously despite the overall result, you had two great wins in singles. How much confidence do you think you can draw from these kind of wins moving forward and into the next season?

TOMAS MACHAC: It was good opportunity to play such a good event against such a good player. I'm happy for the chance, that I won the match. I was really confidence to the doubles also. I can say that it was really good day. Unfortunately we lost on the ending.

It's really good experience for me. I'm really happy that I can be in the team and to play with great guys. Yeah, I'm thankful.

Q. This was obviously your first Davis Cup experience. How were you able to bring out your best even though sometimes in these situations nerves can take over?

TOMAS MACHAC: The first match I was really nervous from the beginning. I start not too good. My head was in pressure because I wanted to show up, to play good, to play my tennis. It's tough if you thinking about that on the match. You have to not think, just enjoy the moment. It's tough.

I was really happy that I made it. And the second match, I think it was without nervous because I was confidence. I had the tactic to play against Evans. Yeah, I enjoyed the match and I was happy that I won.

Q. Captain, what was your thought today in your team selection, why --

THE MODERATOR: You broke up. Repeat the last part of the question.

Q. Just your thoughts on the team selection today and why Jiri Vesely didn't play the singles?

JAROSLAV NAVRATIL: Sometimes has to decide. Even if it's No. 1 player already, Jiri was ready to play today, but I decided to play two youngs. Tomas after first day was optimal form. Over practice, Jiri Lehecka was also good. I decide playing Jiri, bring out our points.

He was a little bit down, a little bit nervous. After first set he's coming to the match. He has two chances first game on the third set, then second game. After that Norrie is No. 12 in the world. Then he start to play much, much, much better. Till now he's better player.