Steve Darcis’ nickname may be “The Shark,” but he is known by something else each time he wears the Belgian colors for tennis’ team competition: “Mr. Davis Cup.”
And why not?
Darcis has won 21 matches in his Davis Cup career, including 20 in singles (compared to only eight losses). The current world No. 53 led Belgium to the 2015 final, winning the decisive fifth rubber of a semifinal tie against Argentina 6-4, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(3) over Federico Delbonis. After the Belgians lost without him in the 2016 first round, he helped put them back in the World Group for 2016 with a four-set victory over Thomaz Bellucci as part of Belgium’s 4-0 triumph.
That set the stage far greater dramatics in the opening round two months ago. Not only did Belgium have to go on the road to face a German squad highlighted by Alexander Zverev and Philipp Kohlschreiber, but the visitors were also missing No. 1 player David Goffin. As it turned out, all they needed was Darcis–well, Darcis and a doubles upset engineered by Ruben Bemelmans and Joris De Loore. The 33-year-old kicked off the tie with a 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(2) defeat of Kohlschreiber and clinched it two days later by stunning Zverev 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(8).
As a result, Belgium–to the surprise of just about everyone–finds itself hosting a quarterfinal contest against Italy this weekend.
Goffin is back, joining Darcis, Bemelmans, and De Loore to meet an Italian foursome of Andreas Seppi, Paolo Lorenzi, Simone Bolelli, and Alessandro Giannessi. Miami semifinalist Fabio Fognini had been nominated for Italy but was recently ruled out with wrist and foot injuries.
Darcis has not played since reaching the Delray Beach quarterfinals as a qualifier in February, but not because of injury. His 4-year-old daughter had to undergo a planned heart operation–which went well.
“It was not easy at first, but my daughter is well recovered after surgery,” Darcis said during his Tuesday press conference (translated from Belgian). “My family was more important than playing tennis. Now everything is fine. I have not played a lot, but I have enough experience to know that a few weeks without tennis will not cause any harm. Therefore I am well-rested and ready to play.
“Even though we are playing at home, our chances are 50-50. Our goal remains the same: win three matches.”
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An uplifting piece, thank you for sharing!
Much respect for players who give their best when playing for their countries.