A turn that saddened the whole of Slovakia: Norbert Gombos lost to Musetti in a key match – Športky.sk

BRATISLAVA – Slovak tennis players did not make it to the final tournament of the Davis Cup. In the qualifying duel, they lost to Harde in the Bratislava NTC with the favored Italy 2: 3. The decisive third point for the guests was Lorenzo Musetti, who defeated Norbert Gombos in the final singles after a three-hundredth battle 6: 7 (3), 6: 2, 6: 4.

The group stage of the Davis Cup final tournament will take place from 14-18. September in four cities. Four teams will be presented in each of them. The top two from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, which, like the semifinals and finals, will take place in one place from 23 to 27 November.

Gombos had to fight hard for his submission right in the opening game against Musetti, who replaced the originally nominated Lorenzo Soneg. After a series of matches and benefits, he maintained his service and was a more active player throughout the set. At 5: 4, he made two setballs when Musetti was handed over, but the Italian turned them away and the secretary came. It was dominated by Gombos, who built a 5-0 lead after two mini-breaks.

The Slovak national team benefited from a quality first serve, from the forehand he managed to push Musetti on the defensive. In the second act, Musetti sped up the game, added to his aggressiveness, and began a one-handed backhand on the line. In the fourth and eighth gems, he broke Gombos’ serve and forced a third set.

The young Italian was in the run and at the beginning of the decisive act he built up a 3-0 lead after a quick break. Gombos did not fold his weapons, and thanks to the support of the fans, he equalized to 3: 3, but the ending belonged to Musetti, who, at 5: 4, even with the help of a tape, turned the first sword ball into Gombos’ service.

It’s disappointing to me

“It’s hard for me to find words. It’s disappointing for me, we narrowly lost the match to advance to the final tournament. I had a duel well played, but in the second set I played a worse game that kicked Musetti. In the third set I came back I felt like I was on top, but I broke the tight balls. ” said the disappointed Gombos.

Slovak captain Tibor Tóth was sorry that his charges narrowly missed the way to the final tournament. “We played an equal game against the Italians, there was little missing. Everyone left their soul on the court and I can’t blame anyone for a single ball. I’m proud of the players, they did their best. It’s hard to say what it would look like if Alex Molčan could play. Filip Horanský he replaced him very well, because he defeated Soneg and tormented Sinner as well. “

Musetti celebrated his first Davis Cup triumph against Gombos and gave himself a nice 20th birthday present. “We will definitely celebrate it here in Bratislava. We are a locked team, we love Italy. We will definitely enjoy this victory.”

Volandri praised the performance of Slovaks

Italian captain Filippo Volandri praised the performance of the Slovaks. “I expected it to be a big fight. Congratulations to the Slovak players. What they showed on the court was great. Hat down in front of my guys, they fought for every fiftin.”

In addition to Italy, some of last year’s finalists in Croatia, holders of free cards Serbia with Great Britain, Australia, Spain, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea have participated in the final tournament. The Slovaks failed in the qualification for the third time. In 2019, they lost 2: 3 to the NTC with Canada, and the Czechs lost to the Czech Republic 1: 3.

Historically, the biggest success of Slovakia is the final of the Davis Cup in 2005, when the prestigious competition was still played in the old format.

Davis Cup Finals Qualifying Duel:
SLOVAKIA – Italy 2: 3

Norbert Gombos – Jannik Sinner 4: 6, 6: 4, 4: 6
Filip Horansky – Lorenzo Sonego 7: 6 (2), 6: 3
Filip Polasek, Igor Zelenay – Simone Bolelli, Jannik Sinner 6: 3, 1: 6, 7: 6 (3)
Horansky – Sinner 5: 7, 4: 6
Gombos – Lorenzo Musetti 7: 6 (3), 2: 6, 4: 6

• The author: © List
• VIDEO: TASR / Jakub Kotian
• Source: TASR