Timofey Skatov earns second point in Davis Cup tie in Astana

Timofey Skatov of Kazakhstan secured the second point for the national team in their Davis Cup tie against Thailand in Astana, defeating Kasidit Samrej 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). Kazakhstan leads 2-0 after the first day of play.

Skatov made a strong start, breaking Samrej in the opening game and not giving his opponent a chance to break back.

After winning the first set 6-4, Skatov broke Samrej in the opening game of the second set in almost exactly the same fashion. The only difference was that this time, Samrej managed to break back. Breaking Skatov’s serve in the sixth game, the Thai player leveled the score at 3-3.

The closely contested match went to a tiebreak, which Skatov pulled off to win 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) in 1 hour and 46 minutes. Skatov hit five aces to Samrej’s two and committed no double faults, while the Thai player had one. Skatov also won 56 total points to Samrej’s 54.

In the first match of the World Group II Kazakhstan-Thailand tie, Alexander Shevchenko battled past Maximus Jones 6-4, 1-6, 7-5.

The tie will continue tomorrow with the doubles match. Denis Yevseyev and Beibit Zhukayev will face Thanapet Chanta and Pruchya Isaro. If Thailand wins, Shevchenko will take on Samrej. If Shevchenko loses, the tie will be decided by a match between Skatov and Jones. Notably, the captains can replace any of the players.