Article: Andri Christou / Photo: Savvides Photos
Marcos’ big goal has been accomplished! On Saturday, Cyprus won the critical doubles to establish a 2-1 lead over Egypt in the first round of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Europe/Africa Zone II. The Cyprus team will thus need one more victory in Sunday’s reverse singles meetings to win the tie. Both Marcos and Photos Kallias gave the best of themselves and won the match in straight sets 7-6(7), 7-5, 6-1 with the crowd cheering frantically at the end.
The first set progressed with serve through the first seven games. In the critical eighth game, the Egyptians, after nine deuces, managed to break Cyprus’ service to lead 5-3. But the Cypriot champions, with the help of their devout supporters, had their “answer” ready. They immediately broke back and the set was decided in a stirring tie break, which Cyprus edged 9-7 after one hour and five minutes.
The second set started anything but well for the hosts, with the Egyptians earning an early service break. However, Marcos and Kallias were able to find the solution. They broke back in the sixth game to level the set 3-3. It seemed that the second set would take the same course as the first and be decided on a tie-break, but luckily at the last minute this was avoided. In the 12th game Cyprus broke through to win the set 7-5 in 39 minutes.
Full of confidence, the Cyprus team charged through the third set, breaking serve in the second and fourth games to wrap up victory in 26 minutes 6-1.
After the match, Marcos said: “We did not start the match the way we wanted to. We were a bit stressed. Photos was up at the tie-break, he gave a lot of help while I continued to play well. In the second set I may say that Photos made a break by himself. We took the victory, which is very important.”
When asked about his improved level of play from Friday, Marcos said: “On Friday I was more stressed for several reasons. Because I am playing in Limassol, because when you are playing in your own country you feel differently than when playing for yourself. I hope to remain focussed so as to play better on Sunday.”
