Frenchman Benoit Paire and Kevin Anderson faced off in a neck to neck to contest in a very crucial tie for both the teams. The veteran Anderson prevailed after losing the first set and saving a match point.
Unfortunately, this meant that both the teams will not be able to qualify as France had won the first rubber. To qualify, both the teams needed a 3-0 victory.
However, this does not mean that we were denied the opportunity of seeing exemplary tennis. Both Anderson and Paire played with passion giving the match a big fight feel.
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A perfect representation of this competition was a point won by Benoit Paire in the tiebreaker.
NO WAY!@benoitpaire | #ATPCup pic.twitter.com/B20J7ysSvU
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 8, 2020
What Did Benoit Paire Do?
Paire was serving in the second set tie breaker after clinching the first set 6-2. After Paire wonderfully maneuvered Anderson’s weak return through a deft touch, it felt like Anderson won’t be able to reach the ball.
However, the South African sprinted to make a return at the last moment. It felt like he had succesfully managed to steer the ball clear of Paire. However, in a superheroic display of athleticism, Paire made a wonderful dive at the ball and secured a handsome winner.
Read More- “I’ll Be Ready From The Very First Math”- Kevin Anderson On ATP Cup 2020
What Was The Outcome Of The Set?
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The tie breaker was won by Kevin Anderson as the South African also saved a match point. Even the next set went into a tie breaker which was again won by Anderson. Thus, Kevin Anderson won the contest 2-6, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (5).
35 year old Giles Simon had given France fresh hope after claiming the first rubber. However, Paire’s loss means that neither France nor South Africa will be qualifying for the quarter finals.
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Novak Djokovic led Serbia are the winners of the group and will be testing their luck in the knock outs.
Who do you think will ultimately win the ATP Cup?