Doubles Take: The Davis Cup

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Doubles Take: The Davis Cup

A controversial doubles decision in the France-Belgium matchup ha

ByVan Sias

Published Nov 28, 2017

Check out the scoop on the last main-tour doubles match of 2017 in this week’s Doubles Take.

VIVE LE FRANCE!

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After the first day of the Davis Cup final between France and Belgium, the score was tied 1-1 after the opening singles rubbers.

The middle day of competition would see whether a controversial decision by French captain Yannick Noah would pay off or not. Before play started, Noah made the decision to bench Nicolas Mahut. Instead, Mahut’s regular partner, Pierre-Hugues Herbert would team up with Richard Gasquet, brought on as insurance in case there was an injury to one of the singles selections.

The risky gamble paid off:

The pair moved past Ruben Bemelmans and Joris De Loore in four sets. The Belgians had their moments against France and the partisan crowd:

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In the end, though, it was France’s time to celebrate the pivotal victory, one Mahut was able to enjoy as well:

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And Herbert revealed his Grand Slam-winning partner was with him in spirit:

France would go on to take the title, its first in 16 years, when Lucas Pouille won a live fifth rubber in straight sets against Steve Darcis on Sunday.

NEWS & NOTES

Davis Cup closes the books on the first year of Doubles Take. Luckily, the offseason is so short, it'll be back before you know it!

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias