Matsuyama’s landmark win was sealed at the final hole in the final round of the competition, which took place at its traditional home, the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA. Winning by a single shot with a 10-under-par score, he was duly accorded the honour of wearing the famous Green Jacket, reserved exclusively for the Masters’ victors.

The Masters is one of the four most prestigious tournaments in professional golf, known collectively as “The Majors.” It is the first to be held each year, during the second week of April, followed by the PGA Championship in May, the US Open in June and The Open Championship in the UK in July.

Matsuyama, 29, turned professional in 2013 and has been supported by Lexus since 2014. Commenting on his victory, he said: “I had been nervous all day since the morning (of the tournament’s final day) and I stayed nervous all the way to the end. I am glad I was able to play well in front of my family and friends in Japan. Although I hadn’t (until now) been able to win a Major, I have a feeling that my victory in The Masters will lead to a change in the mindset of young golfers in Japan as well. I want to win more and more. I appreciate you all. Thank you!”

Congratulating Matsuyama on his success, Akio Toyota, President, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “Seeing you greeted by applause from so many members of the gallery when you secured your victory on the final hole, I, too, was overjoyed. You had continued taking up the challenge of fulfilling your dream of aiming for a win in the Majors. Although I don’t think the road to this point was an easy one, you kept up your passion for winning a Major, finally grasping victory.

“After you retrieved the ball, I watched as you shared your joy with your support staff. I was immensely impressed by the smiles on everyone’s face. I believe that your dream, before everyone realised it, had become the dream of many people. We are very happy to have been among those people. Sensing your flood of emotions in the ‘thank you!’ of your winner’s statement filled me, as well, with emotion.

“For the first win by a Japanese golfer in a Major championship, and for your continued effort no matter what, I would like to tell you from the bottom of my heart that is we who say, ‘thank you!’ I sincerely congratulate you!”.

The David Cup Madrid Finals is one the most relevant sports events in the world, and it will turn Madrid into the tennis world capital for a week.

The participation of Lexus as the official car for this sports event follows the brand commitment to turn from an automobile brand into a lifestyle brand. This partnership will provide a platform for the launch of the new Lexus UX 250h hybrid, the brand’s innovative premium compact crossover, which is currently launched in Europe.

Leo Carluccio, Director of Lexus Spain, explains “The Davis Cup is one of the longest-standing sports events in the world of tennis, dating back over 100 years; in 2019, this tradition will go side by side with innovation, with a new format. Both these values, tradition and innovation, are part of the Lexus DNA, accounting for a combination of takumi – Japanese craftsmen – craftsmanship, omotenashi – Japanese hospitality values – with its visionary attitude and its well-known and innovative hybrid technology.”

Furthermore, Lexus and the Davis Cup Madrid Finals share values such as the pursuit of excellence, a work-ethic culture, and teamwork.

During the event, Lexus will provide a fleet of 100 self-charging hybrid cars to drive around all the members of the teams taking part in the competition, as well as authorities, VIPs, etc. Over 500 people will commute every day from the city center to the Caja Mágica venue, where the tournament will be held.

Lexus cars are a mobility tool perfectly aligned with the mobility policies developed by the Madrid City Council and Regional Government, since all of the brand’s cars, being self-charging hybrids, have no usage limitations in areas such as downtown Madrid or in terms of antipollution protocols.

DAVIS CUP MADRID FINALS – AN INNOVATIVE FORMAT

The season-closing Davis Cup Madrid Finals will be held from November 18 to 24. As much as 18 national teams will first compete in a group phase, split into six three-team groups. The winners of all six groups and the two best second teams, based on the number of sets and games won, will qualify to the quarter-finals.

The rounds between countries in the Davis Cup Madrid Finals will comprise two singles matches and one doubles match, all of them played on the same day.

MADRID – SEAT OF THE DAVIS CUP MADRID FINALS

The arrival of the Davis Cup Finals to Madrid has been possible thanks to the joint commitment made by the Madrid Regional Government and the Madrid City Council.

The level of infrastructures in Madrid, as well as communications, hotel accommodation capacity, and cultural activities, were key pieces to securing the appointment of the tournament.

The Davis Cup Madrid Finals 2019 will be held in the facilities at La Caja Mágica, located in the Parque Lineal del Manzanares. For 2020, the venue chosen is the Madrid WiZink Center.

Not only will the Davis Cup Madrid Finals bring together national teams from 18 countries, including the best tennis players in the world, but it will also summon in the same venue and city, for the first time ever, tennis fans from 18 countries, who will turn Madrid into the world tennis capital.