Current Davis Cup champions France kept themselves on track for a second consecutive title by grabbing a 2-1 lead over Italy in their quarter-final clash on Saturday.
Two-time grand slam doubles champions Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Huges Herbert eased past Fabio Fognini and Simone Bolelli 6-4, 6-3, 6-1, in just under two hours. Playing in the Italian city on Genoa, the French duo hit 87 winners to 29 unforced errors and converted seven out of their 10 break point opportunities. It was a case of sweet revenge for Mahut and Herbert, who lost to the Italians in the final of the 2015 Australian Open.
“(I’m) a lot satisfied. I think it’s our goal, when we are in the team, to win this Saturday point (in the doubles). It is so important in Davis Cup and we did it today for our team.” Herbert told Daviscup.com.
36-year-old Mahut, who is playing in his tenth tie for his country, is not getting too carried away about the significance of the victory. France now needs to win one out of two matches played on Sunday to progress to the semifinals. This year they are bidding to win the competition for the 11th time in history.
“You know when you play at one-all in the Davis Cup the doubles point is really crucial.” Explained Mahut. “But there is still a long way to go.”
Lucas Pouille will be bidding to secure the unassailable win when he takes on Fabio Fognini in the fourth rubber.
Croatia gains momentum
2005 champions Croatia moved to a 2-1 lead over Kazakhstan thanks to a four set win by Ivan Dodig and Nikola Mektic. The duo battled from behind to overcome Timur Khabibulin and Aleksandr Nedovyesov 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.
Despite behind the overwhelming favourites to win the tie, Croatia are taking no chances. In 2016 they were leading the Davis Cup final 2-1 before Argentina won three consecutive matches. Something they hope will not happen again this weekend.
“Winning in the doubles we are very close to the semi-finals, but it’s not all over because this is the Davis Cup,” said captain Željko Krajan.
Marin Cilic, who is the only top 20 player to feature in the tie, will be hoping to secure Croatia’s third win when he faces Mikhail Kukushkin tomorrow.
