We have just finished a nice “Davis Cup” week end with a couple of surprises and a big scare for USA.
USA – Brazil 3-2
The North American team was posed to win a very easy tie with Brazil especially after leading 2-0 in the first day. Then the Bryans lost an unexpected match against Melo and Soares 7-6 (6) 6-7 (7) 6-4 3-6 6-3. Isner lost a 5 setter against Bellucci 2-6 6-4 6-7 (7) 6-4 6-3 to bring the entire score to a gloomy 2-2.
The things became even more complicated when Querrey lost the first set in the decisive rubber against world no.141 Thiago Alvez. Finally Sam regrouped to win 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (3)… but that was weird!
Canada – Spain 3-2
Great surprise here. The key match was the “very unexpected” defeat (let’s say trash) of Granollers at the hands of world no.166 Frank Dancevic (6-1 6-2 6-2) in day one. As expected, Raonic won both rubbers (Granollers and Garcia-Lopez) to add the “other 2 points”.
The Spaniards (Granollers-Lopez) won the doubles against the Canadian (Nestor Pospisil) and the dead rubber Ramos vs Dancevic.
Belgium – Serbia 2-3
A walk in the park for Serbia that “gave away” the 2 dead rubbers after they sealed the victory in day 2 after winning the doubles to get the decisive 3-0 lead.
Italy – Croatia 3-2
Good win for Italy that was leading 2-1 after the doubles. The Seppi lost his match against Cilic 6-3 6-3 7-5 but Fognini beat Dodig 4-6 6-4 6-4 in the decisive match.
Argentina – Germany 5-0
Argentina won a surprisingly easy tie against Germany. The critical factor was Kohlschreiber’s injury (hamstring) when the German was about to serve for the match against Berloq. Philip had to retire from the match and the tie to fly back to Germany. So Argentina took the decisive 3-0 lead in the doubles to win both dead rubbers.
France – Israel 5-0
Too easy for France that won all matches to lose only 1 set in the entire tie. Benneteau and Llodra won the decisive point when they played the doubles against Erlich and Sela..
Kazakhstan – Austria 3-1
This was one of the surprises of the weekend. The crucial factor was Melzer losing both singles against Korolev (world no.211) and Golubev (world no.187). The third point was the first single won by Golubev against Haider-Maurer.
Switzerland – Czech Republic 2-3
Great tie here. The teams drew after the first day as Wawrinka beat Rosol and Berdych defeated Laaksonen.
Berdych-Rosol won their 7 hours match against Wawrinka-Chiudinelli.
Finally Tomas Berdych won the decisive point against Wawrinka on Sunday 6-3 6-4 3-6 7-6 (5)
