Davis Cup: India, France, Argentina, GB sail

It’s that time of the year, right after The Championships when players from across the globe flock back to their home and play for their country’s pride and prestige in the famous Davis Cup. With strategic ties and duels, the Davis Cup is a quintessential tournament for Tennis.

1. Team India blanks Team South Korea 4-1

The Indian contingent for the Cup played a near perfect tie against their low-ranked competitors, South Korea. The win saw Bopanna- who last played his match in the 2012 edition- record his 10th singles win in the Davis Cup,  beating Sarvar Ikramov. Everyone recorded wins in their respective rounds except Ramkumar, who played a dead fifth rubber and lost in 3 sets to the 626-ranked Lim. Team India, despite it’s disputes regarding IATA’s ruling on pairings, will make it’s 3rd attempt to qualify for the World Group.

2. Great Britain trashes Serbia

Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot, on Saturday, gave back to back wins for Britain as they snatched a 3-1 win over Serbia in their group tie. The 3rd win for Britain came from the young Kyle Edmund, ranked 67, who played a phenomenal match against his 81-ranked Serbian opponent Janko Tipsarevic. The team captain, Leon Smith, remarked: “Hats off to Kyle. To get your first Davis Cup win is something, to get two in one weekend is something very special indeed.” Team Britain is looking to defend their title at home this September when rivals Argentina lock horns with the defending champions.

3. Del-Porto powered Argentina lead Italy

Argentina, on Sunday, reached the semi-finals of the Davis Cup after beating the one-time champion Italy in their group tie. The decisive tie, after attaining a 2-1 lead after back-to-back wins from Del-Potro and team, came at the hands of the world No. 40, Federico Delbonis. Federico overcame the resilient Italian Fabio Fognini in over 3.5 hours and won a thriller in 4 sets. Del Potro, who played his first tie in nearly 4 years, gained a win for his team despite the fact that he braved a very monotonous crowd. Argentina, with their win, clash with Great Britain in September for their claim on the title.

4. France makes Davis Cup semis, beat Czech 3-1

The French brigade, lead by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, are into the next round after the world no.10 beat Jiri Vesely in 4-sets. Tsonga played a powerful knock in his tie, upsetting the Czech and winning the decisive cut. France, with the celebrated likes of Tsonga, Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues will now clash with either USA or Croatia in September.

5. Croatia-USA keep streaks alive

Ivan Dodig and Marin Cilic keep Croatia’s hopes alive as they beat the Brian Brothers in a 4-setter thriller on Saturday. The team underwent a last-minute change with Cilic replaying Marin Draganja. The Brian Brothers were quoted, saying: “Cilic is dangerous. He brings great returns and some nasty groundies and his serve is pretty strong”, Bob Bryan said. The change comes as a good omen as Croatia look to cover up a 2-1 deficit against USA. It’ll be an interesting tie to see Cilic and Isner play on Sunday, as the match decides Croatia’s fate.