Belgium’s David Goffin has insisted that he will be fully fit in time for his country’s upcoming Davis Cup clash after struggling with a knee problem in recent months.
The world No.7 has been wearing tape on his left knee since the US Open in order to protect it. Despite the issue, he enjoyed a breakthrough run at last week’s ATP Tour Finals. Scoring wins over Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, before losing to Grigor Dimitrov in the final. Becoming the first male player from Belgium to defeat a world No.1.
Goffin is now looking to achieve further history in Lille this weekend by guiding his country to their first ever title in the competition. The 26-year-old is one out of two Belgians currently ranked in the top 100 along with Steve Darcis (76). A stark contrast to France, who have 10 players ranked in the top 100.
“Because I’m a top 10 player people expect me to win my two singles matches,” said Goffin.
“My knee needs some rest following my runner-up spot at the Masters last Sunday, but for now it holds. I won’t have any problem playing at 110 per cent over the whole weekend.”
In 2015 Goffin played in his first Davis Cup final, losing to Andy Murray on the final day of the competition. Handing Britain the unassailable 3-1 lead. Overall, he has won 18 out of 21 singles matches played for his country.
Hoping for history not to repeat itself, Goffin is aiming to end his career-best season on a high. Prior to reaching the final in London, he has won back-to-back titles in Shenzhen and Tokyo. Scoring a personal best of seven wins over top-10 players within the same year.
“It would be really nice to finish the year with the win,” Goffin said.
“It’s such a nice event, really important for us, for the country, for Belgium. It would be incredible to go back home with the trophy.
“We are not the favourites. We have almost nothing to lose here.”
The three-day clash between Belgium and France will start on Friday at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. It will be the first meeting between two two countries wince 2001 with France leading their head-to-head 4-3.
