Davis Cup Finals 2024, Malaga, Spain

[MargaretMcAleer]

He also said that he started his Davis Cup journey with a loss, and ended it with one, too. Nice humor. His first singles loss in DC since 2005, I think? Or 2004?

When Alcaraz won today, in singles, he said he did it for Rafa. When Rafa helped Spain win their first DC in 2004, he always said later he'd done it for Moyà. Also a nice symmetry, and passing of the torch. #payingitback

February 6th 2004 his first loss in singles , 20 years for his second loss, which was he final career match
I heard Alcaraz with those great words for Rafa

 

[Fiero425]

Watching now! So many short balls hit by Nadal that c/b attacked! The wayward FH's out of nowhere proves he neeeded to call it a career!

 

[don_fabio]

I thought both of the Spaniards did a lot for the effort, but, in fairness, the Dutch were very strong. It was an exciting match, though I'd have liked a different outcome.

Spaniards lost their serve in the 2nd set too cheap when they had a break, but I agree they both gave all they've got. It was entertaining match. Khoolhof simply refused to retire yesterday (he is only 35, that's young for a dubs specialist) and Botic was the underdog that delivered in some key moments.

Dude with a complicated last name (which makes my tongue suffer), beat Alcaraz in USO, sent Rafa to retirement yesterday and then beat Alcaraz again in dubs a few hours later.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Germany has defeated Canada 2-0
Altmaier d Diallo 76 (5) 64
Struff d Shapovalov 46 75 76(5)
Germany is into the SFs they will play the Netherlands

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Australia v USA about to start,
Shelton and Kokkinakis selected for the first singles instead of Paul (USA) and Popyrin (AUST)

 

[Fiero425]

Oh my, just saw 3rd set TB from KOK & Shelton! Both had multiple MP's, but Thanasi took it giving Aussies the upset of the United States!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I had trouble getting back on to TF for hours and finally got through
In a match that had it all, to the very end and a tie break to end all tie breaks Kokkinakis for Australia defeated Shelton 76(14) in the final set, Kokkinakis saved 4 MP
Kokkinakis d Shelton 61 46 76(14)
Fritz d Alex de Minaur 64 64
Doubles team of Ebden/Thompson clinched the tie for Australia defeating Paul/Shelton 64 64
I do not understand why the USA doubles team of Krajicek and Ram did not 'Play'? they are 2 of the best doubles players in the world?
Bob Bryan Captain for the USA team was asked after the match why he didnt use Ram/Krajicek?
" We had great options for doubles but I opted for the fire power of the singles players to surprise them.It was a match up decision"
Australia will play the winner of Italy v Argentina which has started.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

The doubles tie will determind if Italy or Argentina goes through to play Australia
Another Brain Freeze this time coming from Italian Captain who is playing Sinner/Berrettini in the doubles? Bolelli/Vavassori should be playing the doubles tie?
Why wasnt Berrettini used in the 1st singles match instead of that Head Case Musetti for starters who was blown off the court by Cerundolo? 64 61
Sinner d Baez 62 61
A experienced doubles team will usually always defeat 2 good singles players? memo to Bob Bryan?
Oh well if this backfires for Italy they only have themselves to blame....
I am pleased to see Carlos Bernandes in the chair for the doubles match! he is retiring after the DC finals.
Argentina's doubles team Maximo Gonzalez/ Andres Molteni vs Sinner/Berrettini (ITA)
Okay maybe Italian Captain not having a Brain Freeze after all, I just checked that the Argentina doubles team have defeated Bolelli/Vavassori twice this year in straight sets, Shanghai and Barcelona, okay I rest my case for now

 

[Fiero425]

They're going to wear Sinner out! He's play'n singles & dubs for Italy! I wonder when the complain'n starts when the weariness occurs w/ him?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Matteo Berrettini's fhand has been on fire in this doubles tie, and the Italians break the Argentina's team with a great fhand from Sinner and will now serve for the match and for a place in the last 4
Italy won the 1st set 64, and Matteo hasnt played a doubles match in 18 months, the change up for Italy in the doubles has paid dividends
Italy d Argentina 64 75
Italy Forza!
Italy the defending champions will now play Australia the runners up last year in the SFs

 

[Moxie]

Matteo Berrettini's fhand has been on fire in this doubles tie, and the Italians break the Argentina's team with a great fhand from Sinner and will now serve for the match and for a place in the last 4
Italy won the 1st set 64, and Matteo hasnt played a doubles match in 18 months, the change up for Italy in the doubles has paid dividends
Italy d Argentina 64 75
Italy Forza!
Italy the defending champions will now play Australia the runners up last year in the SFs

That was a fun match! Berrettini played great! I agree he should have played Cerundolo. Smart by Argentina to play Cernundolo against Musetti, instead of against Sinner, figuring that Sinner would win singles, anyway, and leaving it to the doubles, and hope for the best.

 

[Moxie]

They're going to wear Sinner out! He's play'n singles & dubs for Italy! I wonder when the complain'n starts when the weariness occurs w/ him?

Oh, for pity's sake...it's the end of the season.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Oh, for pity's sake...it's the end of the season.

I don't think jannik was that tired after his singles win 61 62 LOL
I think if Italy need to play the doubles tie they will use Bols and Vassavori against the Aussies

 

[Moxie]

So, SFs are Italy v. Australia, and Germany v. Netherlands, correct?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

So, SFs are Italy v. Australia, and Germany v. Netherlands, correct?

Correct

 

[Moxie]

Correct

I'll be rooting for Italy to win it all, and I'll be rooting for the Netherlands, since they beat Spain. Plus, Zverev, ick.

This could be a chance for Berrettini to get a Davis Cup bump. His performance today in the doubles should do his confidence a world of good.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I'll be rooting for Italy to win it all, and I'll be rooting for the Netherlands, since they beat Spain. Plus, Zverev, ick.

This could be a chance for Berrettini to get a Davis Cup bump. His performance today in the doubles should do his confidence a world of good.

Seeing matteo hasn't played doubles in over 18 months it was a very good performance

 

[Moxie]

Looks like Zverev won't be playing in the SFs.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Botic Van de Zandschulp d Daniel Altmaier 64 67(12) 63
Quite a match with 10MPs needed
Netherlands is one win away from their 'first ever' final at DC
Griekspoor vs Struff next.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Netherlands into their "First Ever DC Final"
Griekspoor played a great match, 25 Aces, 67(4) 75 64 vs J.L. Struff
On Sunday he'll play his 21st career tie, 4th most among Dutch players.
Netherlands await the winner of tomorrows SF between Australia v Italy