The Blues have at least saved the honor. After losing to Germany (2-1) and then Australia (2-1), France beat Belgium this Saturday in the last match of the Davis Cup group stage in Hamburg (Germany). In an opposition without a pole because the two selections have already been eliminated, the Habs got the better of their opponents by winning the last decisive double. The French duo made up of Nicolas Mahut and Arthur Rinderknech dominated Diables Rouges Joran Vliegen and Sander Gillé in two sets (6-3, 7-6).
Earlier in the day, Richard Gasquet had brought the first point to his team by winning at the expense of Michael Geerts (6-3, 6-3). But David Goffin had allowed the Belgians to equalize thanks to the victory over Benjamin Bonzi in three sets (6-3, 5-7, 6-3), pushing the two teams to the decisive third match. Since the new Davis Cup formula in 2019, France have never qualified for the quarter-finals. He just ended his campaign with a third consecutive elimination in the group stage.
“Meetings in this state, with the cold, practically outside, with very few spectators … All the authorities must unite to find the best formula, to rediscover the spirit of the Davis Cup, screams Blues captain Sébastien Grosjean for L’Equipe. Apart from one or two matches, there is no one. The conditions were difficult for everyone, it was less than 10 degrees. You have to find the right formula, maybe spread the matches in two years. The public must participate in the competition. Ho played France-Belgium or Belgium-France with a great atmosphere because they are two great Davis Cup nations. “
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