France and Belgium provide Davis Cup thrills

As expected, France’s doubles team pushed past Team Belgium for a 2-1 lead in the Davis Cup final in Lille, France. It sets up two reverse singles matches on Sunday with France needing only one win to secure their 10th Davis Cup title and first since 2001. Here are the best shots of the opening three rubbers.

5

David Goffin Opens with Win for Belgium

Goffin’s been a giant in Davis Cup competition, and after a great run to the ATP finals in London last week, he continued his momentum by blitzing Lucas Pouille 7-5, 6-3, 6-1. Much of his stellar play from the baseline is bolstered by his confidence to use a chip volley and close with the angle winner.

4

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Levels the Tie

Tsonga is a former top-10 singles player with power and big-match experience, and he didn’t disappoint the natives with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Steve Darcis. He executed a brilliant series of volleys here that had the soccer stadium rocking like it was a World Cup match.

3

Richard Gasquet Steps into the Lineup and into this Service Return

French Captain Yannick Noah has a deep squad of star singles players, but it was still surprising that he broke up the proven super team of Pierre Hugues-Herbert and Nicolas Mahut who won three Masters 1000 titles this year. So Mahut took a seat and Gasquet helped deliver the rubber victory with plenty of poise and this wicked inside-out return.

2

French Doubles A Wall of Trouble for Belgium

The Belgians put up a good fight, splitting the first two sets with fine play from both sides. Just enjoy this combination and finish.

1

Belgians Win the Battle, but France Leads the War

The best point of the first two days was a mad exchange at doubles that stretched Joris De Loore nearly into the sideline seats. He delivered the all-or-nothing angle that found the singles corner. However, France won the rubber 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 to set up their Sunday advantage.