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davis cup
Korda and Eubanks lead USA to 2-0 lead over Ukraine
Americans are one win away from Davis Cup final
February 1, 2024
2024 Getty Images
Sebastian Korda played a role in the U.S.’s 2-0 lead against Ukraine on Thursday.
From ITF staff
The United States only needs to win one more game to qualify for the 2024 Davis Cup finals, as Sebastian Korda and Christopher Eubanks won on the first day of qualifying against Ukraine.
The fact that Bob Bryan’s team finished the first day 2-0 is not all that surprising considering the difference in the Pepperstone ATP rankings between the two teams, but Oles Tereszczuk’s team finished the first day with a 2-0 record. The fact that he worked so hard for the win proved the old adage that even lower ranked players can lift when playing for their country to be true.
“The goal was to get two points and we accomplished that,” explained U.S. captain Bob Bryan. “Sebi fought hard and did a great job of bouncing back after a tough second breaker. And Chris served clutch and handled the pressure well, so I’m very happy for our players.”
Korda, who needed three sets to beat a player 309 ranks below him, was visibly dissatisfied with his level of play at times against Oleksiy Krutyv.
“We’ve got to stop missing out,” the 23-year-old American said after the 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-4 victory. “I made a lot of mistakes in the second set. I played really well in the first and third set. I’m really honored to be a part of this team and I’m going to continue to do that.” I hope you can go.”
For teammate Eubanks, playing for his country in Davis Cup was a dream come true. Eubanks was cleared to make his first start after world No. 9 Taylor Fritz was forced to withdraw hours before the start of the match due to a right hip injury.
“I was really nervous the whole day after I found out I was going to play,” Eubanks admitted after defeating Viacheslaw Bielinski 6-3, 6-2. “Representing your country means more than just playing for yourself. There were a lot of guys I didn’t want to disappoint. I was pretty nervous at first, but once I got on the court I settled in really well and felt really good.” I played well.”
Heading into the second day’s game in Vilnius with a 2-0 advantage, the USA will have a shot at clinching one of the 16 spots in this year’s Davis Cup Final group stage.
The Americans have yet to lose in their last two Davis Cup qualifiers, and tomorrow’s opener features a formidable doubles duo of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram, so it doesn’t seem like it’s starting now.
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