Russia Beat Reigning Champions Croatia In Davis Cup Opener
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published November 19, 2019 | 02:10 AM
Madrid, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Nov, 2019 ) :Croatia opened their title defence with a loss to Russia at the inaugural Davis Cup Finals in Madrid on Monday as victories from Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov got the two-time winners off to a strong start.
World number 17 Khachanov clinched the point for Russia by fighting back to beat Croatian number one Borna Coric 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-4, after Rublev had earlier seen off Borna Gojo 6-3, 6-3.
Russia, who are without US Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev due to exhaustion, can wrap up a place in the quarter-finals with victory over Rafael Nadal's Spain in their second Group B tie on Tuesday.
The 18 nations have been split into six groups of three at the Caja Magica, with the pool winners and two best runners up to play in the last eight of the first edition of the revamped tournament.
The teams face off in two best-of-three-set singles matches and one doubles rubber in each tie.
Khachanov and Rublev will take on Ivan Dodig and Nikola Mektic in the doubles later on Monday, with every rubber possibly crucial in case teams finish level on points.
- Canada down Italy - Canada claimed victory over well-fancied Italy to strike first in Group F.
World number 12 Fabio Fognini slumped to a 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 defeat by Vasek Pospisil, ranked 150th, before rising star Denis Shapovalov edged out Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/5).
"I'm really happy to get the win against a player like Matteo who has had such a good season," said Shapovalov.
"I always love representing my country... It's not often you get to play as a team, so it's amazing." Shapovalov and Pospisil were due to face Simone Bolelli and Lorenzo Sonego in the doubles.
Italy, who won their only Davis Cup title in 1976, were the favourites in Group F with Fognini and Berrettini both having enjoyed excellent seasons.
The 20-year-old Shapovalov saved three set points before snatching the first set in a tie-break, only for Berrettini to level the match in a second-set breaker.
A clash without a single break of serve, was decided by another tie-break, with Shapovalov reeling off the last three points to win after two hours and 52 minutes on court.
Canada take on the United States on Tuesday, with Italy facing the Americans the following day.
Belgium made a victorious start in Group D with back-to-back singles wins against Colombia.
The South Americans are playing at the top level of Davis Cup tennis for the first time, having never played in the old World Group.
Steve Darcis saw off Santiago Giraldo 6-3, 6-2, before world number 11 David Goffin had to battle back from a set down to avoid a shock against 194th-ranked Daniel Elahi Galan Riveros, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
15 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
17 days ago