Davis Cup Final: France vs Belgium
by Constance Rigot |
Background
130 countries compete in total in the competition but only 16 can compete to lift the Davis Cup. These are the countries that are in the World Group, the top tier of the championship. Teams get promoted and relegated from the tiers each year, and if your country wants to compete in it they have to make their way up the ladder to compete with the best. The United States have the most successful country to lift the title, 9 in total. Sweden and Australia are behind with 7 and 6 titles. Countries which are not in the World Group compete in one of three regional zones (Americas, Asia/Oceania, and Europe/Africa). Belgium will take on France in the final this year, looking for their first title. Anything is possible after watching Argentina claim their first title last season.
The Davis Cup final marks the end of the tennis season. Originally set up in 1899 as a competition against the British and Americans. Belgium, Austria, France and Australasia then joined in 1905. The cup has a lot of history, can Belgium join the history books? A total of 15 countries have won the tournament since the beginning. France have managed 3 so they are not newcomers anymore. This will be Belgium’s third final. Only 2 years ago they made the final, however losing out to the British and Andy Murray. Back in 1904 was their first final appearance, funnily enough losing out to the British again 2-3 in a tight contest.
Who to go for?
France will no doubly be favourites this time. With a strong and experienced squad, they will be hard to beat. Richard Gaquet will the experienced one, aged 31 he has won the mixed doubles Grand Slam at the 2004 French open, also winning an Olympic bronze in 2012. He is currently ranked 31 in the world. Lucas Pouille is a bright young star, aged 23 he is currently ranked 18th in the world, recently ranked 13th in May. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is the king of the French, currently ranked 15th. He is one of the three only players to have Grand Slam wins against each of the Big Four: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray.
Bet on France to win at 3/1 with Bet365
The Belgians have a chance
While the French are ranked 3rd in the world Belgium are only one place behind. Recently only runners up in 2015 they will certainly want revenge and finally bring the title home. Their squad consists of David Goffin, only recently last weekend reaching the ATP Masters final. Currently ranked 7th he will be leading the Belgian team out. Other than Goffin, the squad is inexperienced. Steve Darcis would a strong teammate with a current ranked of 38. The final will take place, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, don’t forget to bet for your favourite and let’s look forward to an exciting competition!
