Davis Cup: Defending champions Croatia lose 3-0 to Russia on opening day

The 2019 Davis Cup kicked off on Monday, with holders Croatia beginning their campaign with a 3-0 loss to Russia. The opening day of the revised format also saw Belgium and Canada register victories. 

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Revamped Davis Cup

Andrey Rublev defeated Borna Gojo 6-3, 6-3, Karen Khachannov defeated Borna Coric 7(7)-6(4), 4-6, 4-6 and in the doubles match, Khachannov and Rublev defeated Dodig and Mektic 7(7)-6(3), 6-4. Later, Khachanov said, "When you play, not only for yourself but your country, you need to give extra toughness and extra fight. It was a tough match, it was a solid match from both of us. First time playing here in Madrid on hard court, opening match, extra pressure, it was important to start well. Had some opportunities and took them, I’m really happy we won this tie." 

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Belgium defeated Colombia 2-1. Steve Darcis defeated Santiago Giraldo 6-3, 6-2, David Goffin defeated Daniel Elahi Galan 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. In the doubles match, Juan-Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah defeated Sander Gille and Jordan Vliegen 7(7)-6(5), 4-6, 6(3)-7(7). David Goffin, after the match said, "he challenge was to fight against myself, it was not easy. Sometimes you have to fight, sometimes you have the flow and you fly. I’m happy the way I fought, I didn’t give up, because that’s the most important thing because I’m playing for my country,"

Canada trumped Italy 2-1 at the end of the first day. Vasek Pospisil defeated Fabio Fognini 7(7)-6(5), 7-5, Denis Shapovalov defeated Matteo Berrettini 7(7)-6(5), 6(3)-7(7), 7(7)-6(5) and in the doubles match, Berrettini and Fognini defeated Pospisil and Shapovalov 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. “I’m really happy to get the win, and against such an amazing player as Matteo. He’s had such an unbelievable season and he’s playing some great tennis. It’s amazing to win the match, especially like this, in three tiebreak sets.” 

On Tuesday, day two of the Davis Cup, Spain will be playing against Russia, who are without Daniil Medvedev after he withdrew from the tournament. Argentina will also be playing, and are up against Chile. France will be playing Japan and USA will face off against fellow North American nation, Canada. 

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