Belgium’s David Goffin has brought his country back into contention in the Davis Cup Final. With France leading 2-1 after winning the doubles on Saturday, a defeat for Goffin would have handed France its 10th Davis Cup title.
Instead, Goffin dispatched France’s No.1 player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6, 6-3, 6-2 to ensure that the final will be decided by the match between as yet unannounced France player (likely either Lucas Pouille or Richard Gasquet,) and Belgium’s Steve Darcis. Belgium have never won the Davis Cup, and Steve Darcis will play one match that could see his country lift their first title.
The first set was an exceedingly close affair. Tsonga, dominated, creating a number of break chances, but a dogged display saw Goffin stay with the Frenchman until the tiebreak. Goffin then won the set by driving a backhand return down the line. It proved too hot for Tsonga to handle, and Belgium led.
Tsonga did earn a break point early in the second, but was thwarted by a net-rushing Goffin. A pair of double-faults cost Tsonga in the 6th game of the second, and Goffin went on to close out the set comfortably.
France captain Yannick Noah tried to rally his man, but Goffin quickly seized the initiative in the third, winning four of the first five games as Tsonga’s frustrations began to get the better of him. The Frenchman then began to channel the energy, but missed three break point chances. Drama continued as at deuce Tsonga stopped when he thought he had heard a call, but it did not come from an official. Goffin held.
Tsonga’s game never really recovered, Goffin would seal the win for Belgium with a love hold when Tsonga failed to return a serve. Goffin wont he Both men received rousing receptions as the crowd awaited the deciding rubber.
Goffin: I play my best tennis on Sunday, it is always special to play Davis Cup on Sunday, to win my second point on Sunday is something believable. He was serving big almost. First set was tough to have some rallies on his return.
I was ready for the fight, ready for the battle, and it made the difference after winning the first set. Jo did not serve like the first set in the second. It was a small difference.
To be aggressive on his second serve and to go into the net as soon as I can. If it looks like it is perfect I was so nervous in the end. It was tough that’s why it was 0-4o. It was a really good last game.”
Goffin’s win epitomises just how much he has developed as a player in 2017. His exploits this week have seen him dispatch two top 20 players from the favoured country without dropping a set.
