18 - 24 November 2019

Davis Cup

La Caja Mágica, Madrid

Davis Cup – 18 - 24 November 2019

Davis Cup: Great Britain and Uzbekistan all-square on Friday after five-set epics

  • Davis Cup logo
  • 14/09/2018

  • Major Events

Dan Evans fought back from a set down to beat Denis Istomin in a 4-hour, 7-6(4), 4-6, 0-6, 6-4, 7-5 epic and get Great Britain’s Davis Cup tie off to a flyer in Glasgow.

The 28-year-old was full of fighting spirit as he defeated a man ranked 162 places above him, opening the World Group play-off in thrilling fashion as he snatched victory from Istomin’s grasp.

Evans’ Great Britain team-mate Cam Norrie was on the other end of Friday’s second five-set epic, starting brightly before succumbing to Jurabek Karimov as the nations closed the day with a win apiece.

Playing in his first Davis Cup tie since April 2017, Evans showed why he is a fan favourite on his return to the Great Britain line-up for the World Group play-off against Uzbekistan.

Opening proceedings on Friday after the pre-match ceremonials, Evans grabbed an early lead as he came through a tense first-set tiebreaker.

Istomin went into the match with momentum on his side, having triumphed at last week’s Challenger event in Chicago, and the Uzbek battled back to win two sets in a row for a 2-1 lead.

Evans, however, refused to let his spirit break after being bageled in the third set and whipped up the crowd on his way to forcing a decider.

The fifth set threw up a titanic struggle as neither man could edge ahead. Both broke early to ensure scores were level before Evans grabbed his chance of a break to go 4-2 ahead. Istomin levelled but, at 6-5, the pendulum swung Evans’ way.

Taking Istomin to deuce, Evans let five match points go begging before sending down a triumphant forehand at the sixth attempt, claiming a brilliant victory to put his country 1-0 ahead.

Norrie opened his match against Karimov in emphatic fashion, racing to a 6-0 lead as he looked to sustain the momentum generated by Evans.

The 23-year-old took the second set but it was a far trickier affair as Karimov chased Norrie until the final game. The Uzbek then found a second wind to fight back from two sets down and claim a 0-6, 5-7, 7-6(6), 6-2, 6-2 victory.

In Saturday’s action, doubles duo Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot will take on Denis Istomin and Sanjar Fayziev before the reverse singles match-ups take place on Sunday.

Back the Brits!

Secure your seat courtside for Great Britain's World Group play-off at the Emirates Arena. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are still available from £37.

If you can’t make it to Glasgow, you can follow live via the official British Tennis Facebook page

Saturday 15

  • Live coverage from 14:00

Sunday 16

  • Live coverage from 12:00

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