France, Argentina, Austria, Germany Eye Davis Cup Final 8 Qualification

LONDON – France moved to the verge of the Davis Cup Final 8 after taking a 2-0 lead over Croatia on the opening day of their qualifiers. Argentina, Austria, and Germany also positioned themselves strongly to book spots in Bologna following dominant performances on Friday.

In Osijek, debutant Corentin Moutet gave France a perfect start by defeating Croatian favourite Dino Prizmic 6-4, 5-7, 6-1. World number 57 Arthur Rinderknech then overcame 2014 U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4, giving France a strong advantage. France will secure progression if they win any of the three rubbers on Saturday, beginning with the doubles match.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

In Groningen, Argentina dominated the Netherlands. Tomas Etcheverry beat Jesper De Jong 6-4, 6-4, followed by Francisco Cerundolo’s 7-6(1), 6-1 victory over Botic van de Zandschulp, leaving the Dutch needing a flawless performance on Saturday to stay in contention.

Austria also moved 2-0 ahead in Debrecen with Jurij Rodionov defeating Fabian Marozsan 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5, and Lukas Neumayer overcoming Marton Fucsovics 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(7). Germany established control in Tokyo as Jan-Lennard Struff beat Yoshihito Nishioka, and Yannick Hanfmann followed with a straight-set win over Shintaro Mochizuki.

In Delray Beach, U.S. number one Taylor Fritz leveled the tie 1-1 against the Czech Republic after defeating Jakub Mensik 6-4, 6-3. Jiri Lehecka had earlier given the Czech Republic the lead by beating Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-2.

The remaining matches will take place on Saturday, with Spain facing Denmark in Marbella and Australia hosting Belgium. Defending champions Italy have already secured a place in the Final 8 as hosts, with seven more teams set to join them from this weekend’s qualifiers.