For the first time in history Belgium will take on France in the final of the Davis Cup after securing a dramatic comeback to defeat Australia 3-2 in the semifinals of the competition.
David Goffin and Steve Darcis lite up the 15,000 capacity Palais 12 arena in Brussels with a duo of inspiring performances to break the hearts of their opponents, who last won the tournament back in 2003.
The Belgian comeback began on Sunday with Goffin’s thrilling 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, win over Nick Kyrgios. Goffin, who missed the entire grass-court swing of the season due to an ankle injury, delighted the highly animated crowd at the Palais 12 with a relentless display. During the 192-minute encounter, he was broken just once and produced a winner-error ratio of 59-24. A performance that ended with the world No.12 collapsing on the floor after winning his match point.
“It’s the best match of my career in Davis Cup so far,” a delighted Goffin said after the match. “I was focused from the first point to the end. I served really well. It’s probably the best match with my serve today, a lot of aces, a lot of winners today.”
What. A. Win! @David__Goffin completes a stunning 67(4) 64 64 64 win over Nick Kyrgios to force a live 5th! #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/DUHWunvHLw
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) 17 September 2017
Kyrgios also praised Goffin for his performance in the match. On the ATP Tour the Australian leads their head-to-head 3-0, but was unable to tame him in their latest clash. At one point during the match, Kyrgios was seen mouthing towards his camp ‘I am not doing anything wrong.’
“He was too good. He played better as a whole. He served unbelievably today. When he’s playing at that level, he’s one of the best in the world.” Stated Kyrgios.
Following in Goffin’s footsteps was Steve Darcis, who eased his way past higher ranked opponent, Jordan Thompson, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2. The experience of the 33-year-old proved pivotal in the match. Darcis’ finest Davis Cup performance was winning the decisive rubber in the 2015 semifinals, securing Belgium’s place in their first final since 1904.
Emulating the same scenario against Thompson, Darcis wore down his rival in the pressure points of the match. Breaking at the very start of the match and then late in the second set. During the closing stages, Thompson was unable to hold serve in three out of his final five service games.
Precision from @stevedarcishark to defeat Thompson 64 75 62 and send Belgium back into the #DavisCup Final! pic.twitter.com/ycQp94t4k1
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) 17 September 2017
France next
Awaiting Belgium in the final will be France, who hasn’t lifted the Davis Cup trophy since 2001. French No.1 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga secured his country’s unassailable 3-1 lead over Serbia after triumphing 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(5), 6-2, over Dusan Lajovic. The world No.18, who also won his opening singles match on Friday, secured the critical victory with the help of 38 winners, of which 32 came from his forehand side.
Tsonga’s triumph comes after what was a tentative start to France’s clash against 2010 champions Serbia. Lucas Pouille hit a costly 70 unforced errors in the first match of the tie to hand Serbia the early advantage. Besides Tsonga, the turnaround was achieved with the help of two-time grand slam doubles champions Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut.
“Obviously we want to win the whole thing but you have to win these kinds of matches along the way.” Said French captain Yannick Noah. “It was tough but a really beautiful weekend of tennis I must say.”
“I am really happy the way Jo-Wilfried Tsonga played.” He added.
France is the fourth most successful nation in the history of the competition with a total of nine titles. Against Belgium they lead 4-3 in their head-to-head, but hasn’t played them since 2001.
The 2017 Davis Cup final will be held between November 24th-26th at a yet to be decided venue in France.
