David Goffin put Belgium in position to make the Davis Cup final after dismantling substitute Diego Schwartzman in straight sets earlier in the day on Sunday to even their Davis Cup semifinal with Argentina at 2-2. Steve Darcis battled Federico Delbonis in the fifth and decisive rubber.
Darcis Starts Quick
The Belgian featured a stout serve in the opening set. That was in contrast to what was on display at times in both his first singles fixture on Friday and Saturday's doubles rubber. Darcis won all 16 of his first serve points in the set and routinely was getting his first serve in. That left him only needing to deliver seven second serves. Delbonis matched Darcis hold-for-hold through the first six games. In the seventh game, Darcis saw his first break opportunity and converted for a 4-3 lead. The Belgian would close out the set with no hiccups for a 6-4 win. Delbonis served well, but his eleven unforced errors were a difference. Darcis clubbed 14 winners in the first set with eight unforced errors.
Delbonis Digs In
Both players again served well through the first few games of the second set as the score ran out to 2-2. In game five, Delbonis struggled some on serve, but was able to fend off two break points for a hold. In the next game, Darcis struggled himself as it looked as if fatigue was taking hold. He would fight off two break points in a long service game, but Delbonis would convert on the third break chance for a 4-2 lead. The Belgian was broken again to close the set, as the Argentine evened the match at a set each with a 6-2 win. Darcis' serve dropped off dramatically in the set as he won just half the points on his serve. The Belgian also made 16 unforced errors.
Momentum Swings To The Home Side
After looking tired to finish the second set, Steve Darcis rediscovered his energy for the third as his serve was again back to form. That helped the Belgian keep the set even through the first 10 games with Delbonis. Each player saw one break chance on the other's serve, but failed to do anything with it to a 5-5 score. In the eleventh game, it was the Argentine who cracked as Darcis scored a break at love to take a 6-5 lead. The Belgian would serve out the set 7-5 to go up two sets to one. By the numbers, Darcis showed a big improvement on serve as he won 25 of 31 points and took advantage of a rash of unforced errors from Delbonis. The Argentine tallied 29 unforced errors in the set.
Darcis Delivers In Adventurous Final Set
The fourth set would prove to be the finisher for Belgium, but it did not come easy. In the third game, Darcis ripped a forehand winner past Delbonis to score the first break and a 2-1 margin. It did not last as the Argentine quickly broke back to even things at 2-2. A third consecutive service break would come when Delbonis could not land a volley as Darcis broke back for a 3-2 lead. Rejuvenated by the break, Darcis crushed his service game at love for a 4-2 lead. He nearly got an extra break in the next game as the Belgian crafted four break points. Delbonis found a way to save them all. The set would move to 5-4 with Darcis on serve with a shot to send his team to the final. In a lengthy tenth game, Darcis would see two match points but blow them both. After three deuces, it was Delbonis delivering the break as a shot from the Belgian sailed out.
Both players seemed to have little left on return after that game as they exchanged holds to get to a tie break. The breaker belonged entirely to Darcis as he seemed desperate to make sure the match did not go any further. He jetted out to a lightning quick 5-1 lead at the changeover buoyed by a cracking winner that netted him that lead. Delbonis would save the first of four match points as tie break score slipped to 6-3, but it was Darcis who put away and overhead shot to secure the victory for Belgium 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3).
Steve Darcis was obviously elated with the win, telling reporters afterward: "For our small country it's pretty good. For me, it's really big. I fight and I fight and this time I had the win. David Goffin played great - he gave me the chance to finish the job."
Historic Win For Belgium
The victory propels Belgium into the Davis Cup Final for the first time since 1904. They will host the final against Great Britain beginning on November 27. Belgium will be looking to win their first Davis Cup title. The Brits will be looking for their tenth, but first since 1936.