The Belgium vs. Australia Davis Cup semifinal showdown is exactly what just about everyone thought it would be after the opening day of action: tied 1-1. But the route it took to get there was not without drama. David Goffin prevailed for the host Belgians before Nick Kyrgios scored a crucial victory for Australia, thus making it all even heading into Saturday’s doubles rubber.
Goffin, by far the highest-ranked man for his side, got a stern test from John Millman but survived 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 in three hours and 29 minutes.
“It was such a big fight,” Goffin noted. “Before the match I expected a big fight like this. John is such a big fighter. He’s really solid, really strong physically. I had to fight really hard on every point because he never does any mistakes.
“I gave everything. I put my heart on the court and that made the difference to finish the match.”
“Losses when you play for yourself I take pretty hard,” Millman said. “When you play for your country probably even more so. I left it all out there. David makes you play for every point. David is crucial to his team. He’s the leader, he’s the No. 1 player. I wanted to win but I also wanted to make it as physical as possible.”
Australia’s No. 1 player almost saw his squad pushed to the brink of defeat going into the doubles rubber, but he had other ideas. Kyrgios raised his level when it mattered most to overcome Steve Darcis 6-3, 3-6, 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-2.
The world No. 20 fired 20 aces without double-faulting a single time.
“It was incredibly tough,” Kyrgios assessed. “I knew it was going to be tough, especially on this very slow clay court. But I’ve done everything right. I made it my objective this week to get a win for Australia. I’m just glad I got my team a win today. Hopefully the boys can get it done in doubles tomorrow.”
In a more surprising development, the France vs. Serbia World Group semifinal tie is also tied 1-1 following the first day of action. With home-court advantage against a Sebian side lacking Novak Djokovic, France is an overwhelming favorite. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga did his job against Laslo Djere in the second rubber, but that was preceded by a Dusan Lajovic 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(7), 7-6(5) upset win over Lucas Pouille.
Davis Cup often brings out the best…even in Kyrios….can’t wait for doubs today!!
2 semis, a slew of world group playoffs, and all are live going into the 3rd day. (Japan-Brazil have not yet played their doubles and Japan is up 2-0 but Soares is playing dubs for Brazil so I think they have a good chance to win that one)
Congrats to Belgium, David Goffin and Steve Darcis. Heck of a job well done.
Sorry to the Aussie’s. Come on, Nick!