The series of Davis cup between Argentina and Lithuania She seemed comfortable for the national team, but this tournament does not know about easy victories, without a fight. At times, the effusiveness of the stands transformed into passivity, partly due to the tennis players’ slumps, partly due to the heat, an unwanted visitor without prior notice who had to leave. Those led by Guillermo Coria They came face to face with the victory that guaranteed him a place in the Qualifiers 2024.
He Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club It looked packed, on a classic day of the most important team competition in world tennis. Between a large stock that was given away through different channels and a remainder that went on sale, the Court Central Guillermo Vilas first witnessed the local debut of Francisco Cerúndoloand then to Sebastian Baez become the public’s favorite.
It is that to number 1 of Argentina It cost him his first cup experience at home. The duel before Vilius Gaubas (18 years old, 476 ATP) extended more than necessary. It was 6-1, 7-6 (6) and 6-2 in two and a half hours, and that second set generated disbelief. “How difficult the Cup is, different from everything”was heard between the cement steps of the legendary Palermo stadium.
“Fran”, 21 in the world ranking, had moments of anxiety. Perhaps that is why in several passages of the match he had outbursts of anger and celebrated extremely once the duel that had him as a large favorite was over. “If you lose it’s a joke, if you win it’s what you have to do”he downloaded after the victory.
This Saturday was a particular day for the tennis Argentine, since the AAT took the playoffs World Group 1 as a commemoration weekend for the country’s 100 years of competition in the Davis cup. The entity set up a special stand inside the commercial patio in which they collected different historical objects from the national past.
At the entrance to the property on Olleros Avenue at 1500, all attendees are received by promoters dressed as in the 1920s. As they advance along the pre-established route, the tents change their appearance according to the era, until they reach the historical space. where the star is the replica of the Salad Bowl obtained in 2016. “How happy I was when we won the Davis cup” one fan recalled excitedly while waiting for the second game of the day.
A colorful fact that was part of the tribute: the central court of the BALTC was “fed” with the brick dust of various clubs in which the Argentine tennis players with more than 20 matches played in this competition and those who achieved eternal glory in Zagreb.
The second part of the day had Baez as the protagonist, with the same nervousness and the same result. The number 2 of the driving team Coria defeated 7-6 (6), 5-7 and 6-3 in two hours and 41 minutes to Ricardas Berankis (33 years old, 231st in the ranking and who will have shoulder surgery upon returning to Europe) in a very hard-fought match, with ups and downs and moments of great affection with the public.
The native of San Martín provoked the biggest screams and celebrations from the Argentine public. At times, the pupil of Sebastian Gutierrez showed uncertainties, as in the first set, which he served to win, they broke it, he raised the advantage of Berankis and in the tie break they came back from 1-6 that set fire to the more than 4,000 people who filled the stadium.
A particular moment occurred at match point. He BALTC It is located adjacent to the Miter Railway, whose tracks have been elevated for a couple of years. Curiosity of the train driver or avatar of the railway line, the formation stopped above the stadium at the moment Berankis served to stay in the game.
Báez celebrated with sobriety and restraint. The duel was assured, but in a more difficult way than expected. Both the second singlist and Cerúndolo accused the responsibility of leaving Argentina 2-0 against Lithuaniabut ultimately, beyond the development, the score is what it should be.
On Sunday, from 11am, it will be double the number Maximo Gonzalez and Andrés Molteni those who seek to seal the pass to the Qualifiers 2024 in view of Tadas Babelis and Edas Butvilasthe Lithuanians who will try to give a little hope to the handful of fans who surprised with their green, yellow and red flags.
It is difficult Davis cup, does not have stories of matches resolved in advance. Despite the differences in ranking, age and moments, the matches always offer a different version than expected. This Saturday Argentina achieved the expected 2-0 over the Eastern European team, although not in the way they wanted. The train has already left. The passengers missed Báez’s triumph.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
