Winter Retro #1: When France finally won the Davis Cup again (2017)
Now that Italy has claimed the Davis Cup title for the second year running, it's time to look back at one particular edition of the event: the 2017 Davis Cup. Indeed, that year, one of the last under the old format, France conquered the world title.
Headed by Yannick Noah, Les Bleus first came through the first two rounds of the competition with authority.
It was in the semi-finals, however, that things almost came to a head. Playing host to a determined Serbian side, Les Bleus had given themselves a real scare, especially when Lucas Pouille lost his opener to a bluffing Dusan Lajovic (6-1, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6).
Fortunately, Jo-Wilfired had assumed his status. Putting on the hero's costume, the Manceau resisted the pressure. Aided by a solid win by Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the doubles, Tsonga won his two singles matches, against Laslo Djere (7-6, 6-3, 6-3) and Dusan Lajovic (2-6, 6-2, 7-6, 6-2), to earn his nation a place in the final.
Finally, the French met up again with their best enemies in the final: Belgium. Buoyed by a David Goffin having the season of his life, the Belgians had come to France with obvious ambitions. Although underdogs, they were hoping to create a stir.
However, despite an untouchable Goffin, who didn't lose a set or a service game, it was France who, following a clear victory by Lucas Pouille in the final singles (6-3, 6-1, 6-0 win over Steve Darcis), took the trophy.
To date, 2017 remains the last edition won by the French team.
