Davis Cup Final Preview: France

It’s been a Davis Cup drought for Team France. The nine-time champions are seeking their first title since 2001 to complete their own version of “La Dixieme.” It’s France’s first appearance in the final since losing to Switzerland in 2014.

France is the solid favorite against a resilient Belgian squad that is making its second appearance in the final in three years. They will be hosting the event in a large soccer stadium in Lille. Here is their lineup:

Age: 32

Ranking: No. 15 (doubles No. 545)

Davis Cup Record: 20-7 singles, 6-1 doubles

Season Highlight: Tsonga won three early titles, but he struggled for most of the year until a last push to qualify for the ATP Finals fell short. He had two victories against Serbia in the Davis Cup semifinals and added a title in Belgium last month. France is counting on him to set the tone in his Davis Cup rubbers.

Age: 23

Ranking: No. 18 (doubles No. 161)

Davis Cup Record: 3-2 singles, 0-0 doubles

Season Highlight: Although France has several top players, Pouille provides youthful energy and has proven he can handle the pressure, having been to the quarterfinals of both Wimbledon and the US Open last year. In October, he defeated Tsonga in the final of Austria for his fourth career title.

Age: 26

Ranking: Doubles No. 13 (Singles No. 81)

Davis Cup Record: 0-1 singles, 3-1 doubles

Season Highlight: Herbert and his partner Nicolas Mahut are one of the top doubles teams in the world, and they swept Davis Cup matches against Japan and Serbia this year.

Age: 35

Ranking: Doubles No. 6 (singles No. 104)

Davis Cup Record: 1-1 singles, 5-2 doubles

Season Highlight: Mahut could play singles if an injury hampered either Tsonga or Pouille, or as a Sunday participant if the Davis Cup has already been clinched. He and Herbert won three ATP Masters 1000 doubles titles in Rome, Canada and Cincinnati, but they faded in the ATP Finals.

France’s biggest advantage comes with its doubles team. It’s almost a sure bet that they will cruise to victory in the Saturday match. The most interesting battles will be sorted out with Tsonga and Pouille in their singles matches against David Goffin.

It falls upon the No. 7-ranked Goffin to win both singles matches, but it won’t be easy. Tsonga has a bigger serve and more powerful game, and Pouille’s best day can grind evenly with Goffin.

The two Frenchmen must also be wary of Belgium’s clutch Davis Cup hero Steve Darcis, who is comfortable under the pressures of winning big matches.

Prediction: Goffin has had a demanding schedule the past few weeks. He reached his peak in defeating Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on the road to the ATP Final championship match in London. He might help Belgium push the final to a fifth rubber, but France will hold up their tenth Davis Cup trophy.