David Goffin received Belgium off to a robust begin in its Davis Cup semi-last match-up towards Argentina, topping Federico Delbonis 7-5, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 to provide his aspect a 1-0 lead.
Advertisement
Both players struck 44 winners, but Goffin had the edge with 39 unforced errors, nine fewer than Delbonis, who credited his opponent with applying the pressure that forced him into those mistakes.
He then showed a greater comfort level on the medium-speed hard court in the final set to separate himself from his opponent, wrapping up the contest in just over two and a half hours.
Steve Darcis and Leonardo Mayer are playing in the second match.
Darcis saved another match point in the final tiebreak with a forehand down the line but sent a return long on the next one on Berlocq’s serve.
“We’re still in it and we will be here on Sunday”, said Darcis.
Switzerland, which won its first Davis Cup title past year , stays in the 16-nation World Group though perhaps without Federer.
They had their chances in the fifth set as well after taking a break in the seventh game, but couldn’t capitalise as they were broken right back.
“It was a tough one but the atmosphere is always wonderful here in Brussels”, Goffin, who enjoyed noisy support, said. “Always when I was break up he was playing so good and was really aggressive…”
Advertisement
Looking to reach the final for only the second time, and the first time since 1904, Belgium’s hopes will hinge on world number 15 Goffin picking up two singles wins and he delivered the first with a commanding performance.
