Bublik and Zhukayev lose in Davis Cup Monaco tie

Kazakhstanis Alexander Bublik and Beibit Zhukayev lost to Monaco’s Romain Arneodo and Hugo Nys in a dramatic doubles clash 7-6 (7-1), 6-7 (6-8), 6-7(5-7) in the third home match of the Davis Cup tie against Monaco in Astana, turning the score 1-2.

In the first two matches on Feb. 6, Bublik stunned Nys 6-0, 6-3, while Kazakhstani Alexander Shevchenko lost to Valentin Vacherot with the same score.

Putting Bublik on the court in the doubles match, the coaching staff hoped for his and Zhukayev’s powerful serves and some breaks. However, such an opportunity appeared only in the 11th game of the first set. The first breakpoint secured by Kazakhstani players immediately turned into a set point. The Monégasques managed to save it, but in the tiebreak, Bublik and Zhukayev dominated, winning 7-1

In the second set, the opponents exchanged with breaks. Kazakhstani players secured one in the 7th game, but opponents broke back, 4-4. At 6-5, Monaco’s pair had a set point, but Kazakhstanis saved it. At the tiebreak, they missed two match points and lost 6-8.

In long rallies, the advantage of Nys and Arneodo in doubles was clear. The long match reduced Bublik and Zhukayev’s effectiveness on serve. In the third set, the opponents again reached a tiebreak, which the Monégasque team won.

The Kazakhstan team’s coaching staff’s strategy didn’t work. Bublik and Zhukayev lost the doubles match, and the tie will now be decided in two singles matches. The Kazakh players need victories in both. Bublik, after some rest, is facing Vacherot, and Shevchenko will play against Nys.