{"id":97630,"date":"2026-02-09T14:05:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T19:05:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=97630"},"modified":"2026-02-09T14:05:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T19:05:33","slug":"davis-cup-round-one-the-surprises-upsets-and-what-they-really-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2026\/02\/09\/davis-cup-round-one-the-surprises-upsets-and-what-they-really-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"Davis Cup Round One: The Surprises, Upsets, and What They Really Mean"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first round of the Davis Cup<\/a> is complete, and as always, it delivered its share of surprises. Let’s examine the most notable upsets and what they reveal about the current state of the competition.<\/span><\/p>\n

But first, some context: the Davis Cup’s reputation has suffered in recent years. Many players and fans have voiced displeasure with how the competition is organized, and it shows in the commitment levels, or lack thereof, from top players. The tournament simply isn’t taken as seriously as it once was.<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, some traditionally strong tennis nations have also weakened over time, contributing to these unexpected results. Let’s break down the biggest surprises from round one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chile 4-0 Serbia<\/b><\/p>\n

For years, Serbia remained semi-competitive in the Davis Cup largely thanks to Novak Djokovic, at least when he chose to play. He didn’t always commit, but he tried to show up, at least for the finals. In first-round ties, Serbia usually managed to advance without him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not this time.<\/span><\/p>\n