GENOA, Italy (AP) — Lucas Pouille kept his focus when Italy's Fabio Fognini began throwing his racket in frustration during a 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-3 victory that put France into the Davis Cup semifinals on Sunday.
Defending champion France took an insurmountable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five series with Italy.
Fognini threw his racket twice upon failing to take advantage of opportunities late in the third set.
On the first occasion, Fognini slammed his racket on the red clay court, then broke it clean in half across his knee.
A couple of points later, after Pouille saved three set points to even the set at 5-5, Fognini threw his racket into a courtside chair in the vicinity of a ball boy.
"There is always pressure on Davis Cup," the 11th-ranked Pouille said. "You want to do well for your friends, family, fans and all the team and that's why it leaves this spicy taste in the Davis Cup."
In the fourth set, France captain Yannick Noah protested to the chair umpire when the crowd attempted to bother Pouille while he served.
That prompted the umpire to make an announcement urging silence and sportsmanship.
Match point: