Monday, 17 September 2018

France, Croatia - Davis Cup finalists

The Davis Cup semi finals gave us on the one hand a straight forward result, and on the other a memorable contest.


France (1) v Spain 

Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille, France 


Day One

Benoit Paire (France) defeated Pablo Carreno Busta (Spain) 7-5 6-1 6-0

Lucas Pouille (France) defeated Roberto Bautista Agut (Spain) 3-6 7-6(5) 6-4 2-6 6-4

France led 2-0


Day Two

Julien Benneteau / Nicolas Mahut (France) defeated Marcel Granollers / Feliciano Lopez (Spain) 6-0 6-4 7-6(7)

France won the tie 3-0 and earned a place in the final


Day Three (tie already decided)

Albert Ramos-Vinolas (Spain) defeated Richard Gasquet (France) 1-6 6-4 14-12

Marcel Granollers (Spain) defeated Nicolas Mahut (France) 6-7(2) 6-3 13-11

France finally won 3-2


Croatia (4) v USA 

Sportski centar Visnjik, Zadar, Croatia 


Day One 

Borna Coric (Croatia) defeated Steve Johnson (USA) 6-4 7-6(4) 6-3

Marin Cilic (Croatia) defeated Frances Tiafoe (USA) 6-1 6-3 7-6(5)

Croatia led 2-0


Day Two

Mike Bryan / Ryan Harrison (USA) defeated Ivan Dodig / Mate Pavic (Croatia) 7-5 7-6(6) 1-6 6-7(5) 7-6(5)

Croatia led 2-1


Day Three

Sam Querrey (USA) defeated Marin Cilic (Croatia) 6-7(2) 7-6(6) 6-3 6-4.

Querrey was thrown into the fray in the reverse singles instead of Steve Johnson, and it turned out to be an inspired move, the world number six losing in a huge upset.


Against all odds, 20 year old Frances Tiafoe, in his debut Davis Cup tie, had the chance to pull off a miracle for the USA.  His task was to overcome 21 year old Borna Coric, and he took advantage of a forehand implosion from the Croatian to lead 7-6(0)

Coric bounced back hard to win set two 6-1 and lead set three 5-1.

He then wasted two opportunities to serve out the set, and Tiafoe won a sensational tie break with a winning forehand on his fifth set point, 13-11.

Coric fought back once more, heroically taking the match 6-7(0), 6-1, 6-7(11) 6-1 6-3

2016 runners up Croatia won the tie 3-2, and will meet reigning champions France in the final in France.

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