A lot of countries are looking to confirm their qualification into the knockout phase of the Davis Cup Finals on Day 3 in Madrid.
Two such teams are Belgium and Australia. Both countries have already enjoyed success over group whipping boys Colombia and meet in a winner takes all clash at 1800 CET.
We give predictions for the tie, match-by-match.
Davis Cup Finals Day 3 Predictions
Steve Darcis vs Nick Krygios
Head-to-Head Record: Krygios 2-0 Darcis
This may be Steve Darcis’ last ever match as a professional tennis player. The Belgian is retiring after this last Davis Cup tilt and there’s no doubt he will be up for this match.
What is less certain, as always, is whether Nick Krygios will have the same level of motivation. He was good yesterday against Alejandro Gonzalez, impregnable on serve and sharp enough on return.
A repeat of that performance against Darcis would probably be enough to win the match, but Darcis will be a much tougher nut to crack on serve. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see one or two tiebreaks in this match and as always in that situation, it will come down to who wins those key points.
Expect Krygios to get the Australians off to a flying start.
Prediction: Krygios in 2
David Goffin vs Alex De Minaur
Head-to-Head Record: No previous meetings
One certain prediction for this match is that there will be a lot of very long rallies. Both players build their game on a great defence and solid groundstrokes.
Goffin has a lot of Davis Cup experience and has been the Belgian #1 for a few years now. He is certainly capable of great performances every now and again and leading his country often seems to bring out the best in him.
De Minaur has had an excellent season. His entry into the top 20 in the world is fully deserved on the back of title wins in Sydney, Atlanta and Zhuhai. It would class as a surprise if his game was to fall back from this point so he should be treated as a top player.
It should be expected that this match will go long. Three sets may well be required but Goffin’s experience and desire may well see him edging the match.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Sandor Gille and Joran Vliegen vs John Peers and Jordan Thompson
The Belgian pair have gained a lot of experience on tour this year and are not far off being one of the elite doubles teams in the game. They pushed Wimbledon and US Open champions Cabal & Farah to a third set tiebreak on Monday and a repeat of that performance will certainly make this match a close one.
Peers and Thompson also went to a third set tiebreak with the Colombians but came out on the winning side. This was a great effort by the Aussies as they probably would’ve expected to lose that match. A great amount of confidence will be taken from that display.
This match could easily go the distance and could be very tense if qualification is on the line. The slight edge may have to go to Peers and Thompson based on their respective results against Cabal and Farah.
Prediction: Peers and Thompson in 3
Overall match prediction: Belgium 1-2 Australia
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