Led by Stefanos Tsitsipas, Greece’s Davis Cup team beat Luxembourg 3-0 at the Europe Group III competition in Athens.
In the opening singles match, unranked Ugo Nastasi of Luxembourg shocked Greece’s Michail Pervolarakis (world number 462), taking the first set 7-6(5). However, Pervolarakis would then come back to win the second set 6-3. He then dominated the third set 6-1 to put Greece ahead 1-0 overall. It must be noted that this was Pervolarakis’ debut with the Greek team.
Also making his Davis Cup debut was world number seven Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek dominated Luxembourg’s Tom Diederich 6-1 6-0, clinching the win for Greece on the opening day of play.
Markos Kalovelonis and Petros Tsitsipas teamed up for the doubles match, and they faced Luxembourg’s Chris Rodesch and Christophe Tholl. The Greek duo won 6-4 7-5 to clinch the 3-0 sweep.
Greece, looking to gain promotion to Group II for the first time since 2014, will face Poland on Thursday. Greece will then conclude pool play on Friday against Monaco. The top two teams in the pool will gain promotion to Group II for 2020.
GREECE 3, LUXEMBOURG 0:
Michail Pervolarakis (Greece) def. Ugo Nastasi (Luxembourg) 6-7(5) 6-3 6-1
Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) def. Tom Diederich (Luxembourg) 6-1 6-0
Kalovelonis/P.Tsitsipas (Greece) def. Rodesch/Tholl (Luxembourg) 6-4 7-5