Goffin and Tsonga edge towards decisive clash with opening-day wins

David Goffin and Jo-wilfried Tsonga delivered lopsided wins in yesterday’s opening singles matches of the Davis Cup final in Lille to leave France and Belgium tied at 1-1.

Tsonga swept past 76thranked Steve Darcis 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 to put the hosts level after Goffin had given Lucas Pouille a masterclass of offensive tennis. Goffin won 7-5, 6-3, 6-1.

Tsonga and Goffin are set to face each other tomorrow in a potentially decisive contest following today’s doubles.

“Let’s wait and see which one will be able to impose his tactics,” France captain Yannick Noah said.

Tsonga missed several chances to move ahead early in the first set but finally broke for a 5-3 lead with a deep forehand attack on his fourth break point. He then claimed five consecutive games and served out the second set at love with a drop shot that hit the net cord and dribbled over for a winner. Tsonga continued to play consistent and occasionally brilliant tennis in the third, including a series of reflex volleys.

“My goal was to bring my team back,” Tsonga said. “No matter how. Now I’m looking forward to Sunday to fight to the finish.”

Earlier, Goffin was in control throughout as he ended a three-match losing streak against Pouille by hitting 21 winners and 12 aces without facing a break point on the indoor hard court at Pierre Mauroy stadium.

“I have rarely seen him play at this level,” said Pouille. “Even when I hit first serves at 220 kph (137 mph) he returned the ball 30 centimetres from the line. He is playing the best tennis of his life.” Nine-time champions France are under huge pressure to deliver a first title at home since 1991, while Belgium, in the final for the second time in three years, seek their first Davis Cup title.

“I pushed the salad bowl a bit closer to the border,” said Goffin, referring to the Davis Cup trophy. “Just a bit, because it is heavy.”