One player will have a chance to clinch the 2017 Davis Cup title for his country when Belgium’s David Goffin goes up against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Sunday afternoon in Lille, France.
This marks the seventh career contest between the two players, with Tsonga leading the head-to-head series 4-2. They have split a pair of indoor hard-court encounters; Goffin got the job done 1-6, 7-6(5), 7-5 three years ago in Metz before Tsonga prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in this season’s Rotterdam final. For whatever it’s worth, they are also 1-1 against each other on clay, while Tsonga is 2-0 on grass.
Both the atmosphere and the quality of tennis should make this one perhaps their most entertaining battle of all. Both men took flight during the fall swing, Goffin to the extent that he soared into the ATP Finals without much trouble. The 26-year-old captured back-to-back titles in Shenzhen and Tokyo–his first two of 2017–and eventually finished runner-up to Grigor Dimitrov in London after upsetting both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Tsonga gave himself a shot at London going into the Paris Masters thanks to a title in Antwerp and a final appearance in Vienna (fell to Davis Cup teammate Lucas Pouille). But the world No. 15 is, who is a solid 38-14 this season despite briefly missing some time due to injury and the birth of his first child, saw his year-end championship hopes evaporate with an opening loss in Paris to compatriot Julien Benneteau.
Both players did exactly what they needed to do against lower-ranked opponents during the first singles matches of this competition on Friday. Goffin got things started by hammering Pouille 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 before Tsonga evened the tie with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 blowout of Steve Darcis.
Tsonga has home-court advantage, but arguably no one on tour–and certainly no one on these two teams–is as confident as Goffin right now. The world No. 7 has beefed up his serve this season, such that it is almost a weapon as opposed to a liability. That should continue to be especially advantageous on an indoor hard court, and both Goffin’s serve and his stellar return game should help him take control of rallies early and expose the Tsonga backhand.
Pick: Goffin in 4
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Like Goffin in 4
Can go to 5 as Tsonga will fight to the better end as this match will decide the winner of the 2017 Davis Cup!
Like Goffin ML and over
Goffin in five
This match will either end in the 4th or 5th set, I like 5 sets, I am not dropping anything on this match, I might change my mind but I don’t think I will, we will see.
I am rooting for the underdogs( Belgium) but I don’t think they can make it, I hope they do.
🤞🤞🤞.
I’m gonna go Tsonga in 5. I won’t be surprised no matter what happens. I just think that Tsonga will be spurred on by the home crowd, and that he will take confidence from his indoor win over Goffin in the Rotterdam final this season. Tsonga is deadly under a roof when he is really on, so for me it’s just a question of whether or not he will be on… and I’m going to guess he will!
That being said, my heart says Goffin, and I would love to see him take this final to a deciding rubber! Goffin really deserves it, imo…
Goffin in five.
Belgium has a decent chance at it even from 2-1 down. Pouille is not playing good and Steve is a Davis Cup war horse who can smell blood. Goffin has what it’ll take to beat Tsonga ….. http://www.138mph.com/tennis-the-davis-cup-match-between-tsonga-and-goffin-is-a-must-watch/
Should be a great match…and I agree w/Rick….Goffin in a tough 4 sets!
Well done D. Goffin, 2 more sets.
I don’t think Goffin can win in straight sets, he might do it in 5 or 4 sets.
I predict 5 sets lol!
Tsonga held his serve better than D. Goffin in the 1st set but he still lost it( tiebreak).
Tsonga might win the 2nd set.
or not
Doesn’t count, too late.
What about the Eagle Darcis vs. Pouille?
One more set 4 Goffin, this guy is crazy.
If he defeats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets that’s something.
Tsonga has been outclassed since the 2nd set, he should won the first 🙁
Well done Goffin, I picked him to win at 1.66 with other matches.
I also picked that the match will end in the 5th set at 3.55 odd with other games, D. Goffin is hot and crazy lol!
Yes, he played well in the 1st set but couldn’t capitalize on his many opportunities.
Well done Goffin!
Darcis is taking down Pouille in five. That’s my pick.
L. Pouille has started well with a break In the 2nd game but I am rooting 4 Belgium even though I like Pouille.
Are you still rooting for Belgium?lol
How much did you lose on Belgium?lol
You won’t disclose it we all know!lol
You are crazy!
Rooting 4 a player is not betting, I was supporting them as a fan.
Please stop being obsessed with my wins or loses, it’s pitiful and foolish.
Close one! lol
Pouille shattered Darcis..
In all the 5 games the favorite have won.
If Goffin keeps this pace for next year, he will be a serious candidate for winning a Grand Slam.
Demolition by Lucas – way too good for Darcis!
Wish I had more money on the game handicap!
congrats, France
Congrats to France! Hope Belgium and Goffin will win it some days.
Hello French DC Captain, please go and carry the Cup!! Why leaving it on the stand??