The Associated Press
OSTEND, Belgium: Steve Darcis met expectations when he beat Frank Dancevic 3-6, 6-1, 7-5, 6-3 to put Belgium up 1-0 on Canada in their Davis Cup quarterfinal on Friday.
Darcis took a set to adapt to the swirling wind at Sportpark Krokodiel, then gradually bossed Dancevic in the rallies on the outdoor clay.
Belgium was favoured in the tie because Canada was without injured leaders Milos Raonic and Vasek Pospisil.
In the second singles, David Goffin, ranked 14th, faced Filip Peliwo, 491st, and making his Davis Cup debut for Canada.
Darcis was first to break in the match, But Dancevic won the last four games to take the first set.
The Belgian made less mistakes in the second set, prevailed, and carried the confidence through the rest of the match.
Darcis constantly put Dancevic under pressure on serve, and almost inevitably broke in the 11th game of the third set, and seventh game of the fourth. He forced 54 errors from Dancevic.
