Team captain Yannick Noah has hailed the performance of his team for guiding France to their first Davis Cup title for 16 years.
France defeated Belgium 3-2 in the final after Lucas Pouille crushed Steve Darcis in the deciding match. Dropping only four games in his 6-3, 6-1, 6-0, victory. France won their other two points through wins by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Friday and with the help of their winning doubles team of Richard Gasquet and Pierre-Hugues Herbert. David Goffin scored Belgium their two points after winning both of his singles matches during the three-day tie.
“It was a victory we had been dreaming of,” said Noah. “It’s a united group. It was a tough weekend against a good Belgian team. Lucas played a fantastic final match.”
It is fitting the France’s triumph in the Davis Cup was under the guidance of Noah. The 57-year-old is the last Frenchman to win a grand slam title at the 1983 French Open. He has also led his country to victory on two previous occasions in 1991 and 1996.
“I’m so happy for this group. It takes a while when you don’t win for 16 years, it’s a lot of things to take care of, but it’s a beautiful adventure.” He told reporters.
Playing on home territory in Lille, France were the heavy favourites. In the emirates rankings the country has ten players in the top 100. Compared to only two from Belgium. On the other hand Goffin, who defeated Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the ATP Finals, was the only top 10 player to feature in the clash.
“Before the season I felt we had a strong team. We didn’t have a top five-six player in the world but eight or nine players capable of playing compared to others who have one or two.” Noah explained.
“We have a team spirit, we’re motivated to represent the country. Four points from four different guys, it’s beautiful.”
As a result of the victory, France has moved to joint-third with Great Britain on the all-time list of most Davis Cup titles won. Only Australia (28) and the USA (32) have won more.
Belgium rally behind each other
Missing out on lifting the trophy for the second time in three years, Belgian captain Johan Van Herck is refusing to blame one individual for their loss. Speaking after his match, a disheartened Darcis admitted that he was ‘not great’ this weekend. Losing both of his singles matches in straight sets. Darcis has won more matches (22) in the competition than any other active player from Belgium.
“No one can take responsibility for the loss, we win together, we lose together, Steve is a great man who led us to the finals, he did incredible matches and I think we all have to be very good. Grateful.” Said Herck.
World No.7 Goffin also echoed the same sentiment as his captain. Highlighting the achievements by Belgium this year. Earlier this year, team Belgium scored wins over Germany, Italy and Australia.
“It’s a disappointment, even if I played two good matches,” he said. “When the team loses we’re all disappointed. We gave it our all. It’s tough to finish this way but we did a lot of good things as a team this year.”
Belgium now trails France 3-5 in their head-to-head.
