Nice Britain took a robust step in the direction of reaching the knockout phases of the Davis Cup on Wednesday thanks partially to an excellent debut efficiency from Billy Harris.
The group established a 2-0 benefit over Finland in Manchester in Group D due to wins by Dan Evans and Harris. They’re with out US Open semifinalist Jack Draper, who’s being rested after his dream run at Flushing Meadows.
Harris, who’s a late bloomer at 29-years-old, secured a straight-sets 6-4, 7-6(4) victory over Otto Virtanen.
“I am completely thrilled for Billy — I feel that is top-of-the-line debuts you may have seen. It was that good,” British captain Leon Smith mentioned.
“If you happen to have a look at Otto’s document over the previous couple of years within the Davis Cup it is fairly flawless. Billy really may have gained in a extra simple method. He was completely immense. Nothing actually type of fazes him, though he is not likely been on a giant courtroom earlier than.”
The knockout stage are scheduled to be held in Malaga, Spain, in November. The highest two nations in every four-team group will advance.
Info from the Related Press contributed to this report.