ATP Cup: Argentina kick Croatia out - and bring Canada to the quarter-finals
Quite dramatic developments that the ATP Cup took on the last day of the group stage. While the Argentinians still secured victory in Group E, the French missed a great chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jan 08, 2020, 03:41 pm
Who would have thought that? Argentina started fourth in Group E in the last day of the preliminary round in Sydney - and turned their fortunes with a surprising 3-0 win against Croatia, supported by the Austrians' 1-2 loss to Poland. Guido Pella initially defeated Marin Cilic in two sets as did Diego Schwartzman Borna Coric. In doubles, Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni prevailed in the match tie break. Argentina will play against Russia tomorrow.
Thanks to the result of the Argentines, the Canadians also made it into the round of the last eight, as the second best group runners-up. The team of Denis Shapovalov and Félix Auger-Aliassime now faces Serbia, who won all matches in the group phase. The French had a good chance of becoming one of the best runners-up - they would have had to win 3-0 against South Africa. Gilles Simon defeated Lloyd Harris at the start, but then Benoit Paire failed to bring a break home lead to Kevin Anderson in either the second or third set. In the decisive round, Paire even awarded a match ball. In the end, the French lost 1: 2.
Nadal against Goffin
This benefited the Belgians, who moved into the quarter-finals with their 6: 3 set record. David Goffin and Co. are dealing with Rafael Nadal and Roberto Bautista Agut. The fourth duel will be played by hosts Australia and Great Britain.
Here are the quarter-finals at the ATP Cup:
| Serbia | Canada |
| Russia | Argentina |
| Australia | Great Britain |
| Spain | Belgium |