Lucas Pouille secured an unassailable lead for France in their quarter-final Davis Cup clash against Italy on Sunday.
The world No.11 battled back from a set down to defeat Fabio Fognini 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, on Italian soil. During the highly animated clash, Fognini destroyed his racket after failing to convert a trio at set points when leading 5-4 in the third set. The frustration benefited a more consistent Pouille who prevailed in the tiebreaker before closing out the win.
“I think I was more consistent over the match,” Pouille said. “I had a tough first set but I kept trying and was playing better and better and it was a great effort to come back and win this one.”
Pouille’s win follows his triumph over Andreas Seppi on Friday and his teams Saturday win in the doubles. Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert dismissed Bolelli and Fognini in straight sets. Ensuring that France wins the tie 3-1 and move into the semifinals of the competition for the third consecutive year.
“I am very proud of the team and I am really relieved because the match was so close.” French captain Yannick Noah told daviscup.com. “It came down to a few points in the third set. I think we have been a little lucky, but it’s part of the process and we enjoy our luck.”
Despite it being the 11th time the two countries have clashed in the Davis Cup, it is the first time France has scored a win on Italian soil since 1927. In the last four they will take on either Spain or Germany.
Cilic shines on home soil
Former US Open champion Marin Cilic booked Croatia’s place in the last four with a one-sided whitewash. Taking on world No.92 Mikhail Kukushkin, Cilic cruised to a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, win after just over two hours of play. Hitting a total of nine aces and producing a total of 40 winners to 17 unforced errors.
“From the beginning till the end I played on a rather high level … constant pressure, superior, aggressive,” Cilic said.
“I had maybe a few matches in the Davis Cup that were ‘one way’ … but not really against a player of this level since Kukushkin is within (the) world top 100.”
Croatia will next take on the USA, who dismissed Belgium 3-0 in their quarter-final. America is the most decorated team in Davis Cup history with 32 titles, but havn’t won the competition since 2007.
“It’s a big goal of ours to represent the country well and to put together a good Davis Cup performance. We’re excited to have the opportunity to play in the semifinals.” Said team USA member Ryan Harrison.
Croatia will host America at a yet to be confirmed venue. The team has been unbeaten on the clay since 2013.
