Kazakhstan’s Zhukayev and Yevseyev fall in Davis Cup doubles match

Kazakhstani tennis players Beibit Zhukayev and Denis Yevseyev lost 4-6, 6-3, 5-7 to Thailand’s Pruchya Isaro and Maximus Jones in the opening match of the second day of the World Group II Davis Cup tie in Astana. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan leads the tie 2-1. 

Yesterday, Kazakhstan won both singles matches. Alexander Shevchenko defeated Maximus Jones in a hard-fought battle, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5. Timofey Skatov also prevailed in a closely contested match against Kasidit Samrej, winning 6-4, 7-6(7-4). 

Thailand’s initial doubles lineup featured Thanapet Chanta alongside doubles specialist Isaro. However, Thailand captain Thiansit Srichaphan replaced Chanta with Jones, who had put in a strong performance against Shevchenko.

Isaro and Jones secured the first set 6-4, breaking serve twice while the Kazakhstani pair broke once.

It’s worth noting that neither Zhukayev nor Yevseyev specializes in doubles. Zhukayev had previously partnered with Alexander Bublik against Monaco in February, but the pairing did not prove particularly successful.

It seemed that Zhukayev and Yevseyev would have little chance without Bublik. However, the Kazakhstani pair settled in during the second set and showed they could be effective in doubles, taking it 6-3.

Nevertheless, Isaro and Jones, making good use of Isaro’s net play, edged the home pair in the deciding set, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, in 1 hour and 57 minutes.

With the loss, Kazakhstan’s lead is cut to 2-1. The fourth match sees Shevchenko take on Samrej. If Shevchenko wins, Kazakhstan wins the tie. If Samrej prevails, the tie will be decided by a final match between Skatov and Jones.