Davis Cup

11/28/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/28/2021 08:52

Davis Cup Qualifiers await for Norway and Romania

Norway and Romania scored victories over Ukraine and Peru, respectively, to book their places in the 2022 Davis Cup by Rakuten Qualifiers.

Contesting a one-off round to facilitate the transition from 18 to 16 teams at the 2022 Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals, Norway were facing Ukraine and Romania were taking on Peru with a place in April's Davis Cup Qualifiers at stake.

Led by world No. 8 Casper Ruud, Norway took control on the opening day at the Oslo Tennis Arena thanks to a 6-3 6-0 win for Viktor Durasovic over Illya Marchenko. Ruud put the hosts in a commanding position when he overcame Vitaliy Sachko 6-3 6-2, but Ukraine refused to lie down.

Denys Molchanov and Sergiy Stakhovsky claimed a point back in the doubles, defeating Durasovic and Ruud 7-6(4) 6-3 and Stakhovsky pushed Ruud into a third set in the fourth match before the Norwegian sealed a close encounter 4-6 6-3 7-6(4) to ensure his side progressed.

Romania's passage to the Qualifiers was smoother. Wins for Nicolae Frunza and Marius Copil on day one meant the stage was set for Horia Tecau to clinch the winning point alongside Copil in the doubles.

Tecau, who had planned to end his career at this tie, has since announced that he will play for Romania in net year's Qualifiers, such is his commitment to his country and team.

The 36-year-old, who was presented with a cake after the match, said: "Thank you for this surprise. It was wonderful to live these moments. We try to bring joy, to motivate young people to lean towards sports, health, and even performance, for those who want to. Thank you for being here with me today, it would have been different without you in the stands. Thank you for creating this moment, it's a joy for me."

Both Norway and Romania are now just one win away from the 2022 Davis Cup Finals. The draw for the Qualifiers takes place ahead of the 2021 Final on Sunday 5 December at 13:30 CET.

Meanwhile, Ukraine and Peru will contest the World Group I Play-offs, where they will be joined by Denmark and Tunisia, after both teams also tasted success this weekend.

Tunisia overcame Zimbabwe 4-0 and Denmark defeated Morocco 3-1 in the World Group II Knock-outs. Zimbabwe and Morocco will be in the World Group II Play-offs next year.

The draws for both the World Group I and II Play-offs will take place at the same time as the Qualifiers draw on Sunday.