Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 13: Francisco Cerundolo and Taylor Fritz delivered crucial singles victories on Saturday, bolstering Argentina and the United States' hopes of securing spots in the Davis Cup Final 8. With composed and commanding performances, both players shifted the momentum in their respective ties, keeping their nations firmly in the race for the season-ending showdown.
In Groningen, World No. 21 Cerundolo shook off a tense opening set to dispatch Dutch No. 1 Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6(4), 6-1. The match opened with a flurry of breaks—six in total—but the Argentine found rhythm in the tie-break, surging ahead 4-0 before closing it out. Riding a wave of confidence and aggressive forehands, Cerundolo dominated the second set to secure his 33rd tour-level win of the year. His victory followed Tomas Martin Etcheverry’s earlier 6-4, 6-4 win over Jesper de Jong, putting Argentina 2-0 up against last year's finalists. The 2016 champions now stand just one win away from a return to the Final 8.
Meanwhile, in Delray Beach, Taylor Fritz responded under pressure after Frances Tiafoe’s loss to Jiri Lehecka had handed Czechia an early lead. Fritz, the World No. 5, displayed his trademark clean hitting and strong serving to beat Jakub Mensik 6-4, 6-3, avenging a loss to the Miami Open champion earlier this year. Fritz now leads their ATP Head2Head 2-1.
The victories by Cerundolo and Fritz not only leveled or advanced their team standings but also highlighted their roles as dependable leaders in high-stakes environments. For Argentina, Cerundolo’s calm under pressure has them on the brink of back-to-back Final 8 appearances. For the United States, Fritz’s resilience kept the tie alive and a potential upset at bay.
As the Davis Cup weekend unfolds, these performances may prove decisive in shaping the road to the season finale.