Belgium takes 2-0 lead against Canada in Davis Cup QF
Jul 17, 2015, 11:31 AM
Belgium's David Goffin returns the ball to Canada's Filip Peliwo during the Davis Cup World Group Quarterfinals match between Belgium and Canada, in Middelkerke, Belgium, on Friday July 17 2015. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
(AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
OSTEND, Belgium (AP) — Steve Darcis and David Goffin gave Belgium a 2-0 lead over Canada on Friday with singles victories in their Davis Cup quarterfinal matches.
Darcis beat No. 272 Frank Dancevic 3-6, 6-1, 7-5, 6-3 in the opener, and 14th-ranked Goffin came through in the second singles by downing No. 491 Filip Peliwo 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.
The 76th-ranked Darcis took a set to adapt to the swirling wind, then gradually dictated the rallies on the outdoor clay. Goffin was rarely troubled against Peliwo, who was making his Davis Cup debut for Canada.
Belgium was heavily favored because Canada was without top players Milos Raonic and Vasek Pospisil.
Darcis was first to break in the match, but Dancevic won the last four games to take the first set.
The Belgian made fewer mistakes in the second set, prevailed, and carried the confidence through the rest of the match.
Darcis constantly put Dancevic under pressure on serve, and almost inevitably broke in the 11th game of the third set, and seventh game of the fourth. He forced 54 errors from Dancevic.
Goffin appeared comfortable, serving nine aces and winning 79 percent of first-service points against his rookie opponent.
The match partly swung on two games in the second set when Goffin survived strong pressure on his serve and then broke immediately to lead 4-3 after Peliwo’s despairing lob went out.
Goffin won the opening match of the third set, before surviving a break point to take a 2-0 lead with the result never in doubt.
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