France stays alive in Davis Cup

LILLE, France — Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert kept French hopes alive in the Davis Cup final with a 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3) win over Croatia’s Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic in the doubles on Saturday. Croatia now leads France 2-1 as it chases its first Davis Cup title since 2005.

The Croats headed into the second day of the final needing only more point against defending champion France after its singles players Borna Coric and Marin Cilic outplayed Jeremy Chardy and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, respectively, in straight sets on Friday and without conceding a single break of serve on the opening day.