Humbert and Fils give France 2-0 lead over Brazil in Davis Cup

Ugo Humbert played his role perfectly on Saturday in Orléans to end the hope of young Brazilian prodigy Joao Fonseca, coming through 7-5, 6-3.

While not serving at his best (55% of firsts in the first set, 42% in the second), the Frenchman was excellent in the rallies and in the most important moments of the match, giving France a 1-0 lead in this Davis Cup first-round encounter.

The world No 15 gave his team a few scares by bringing on the physiotherapist at the end of the first set with a lower back issue, but he was able to take advantage of this fast indoor surface to apply constant pressure on Fonseca.

Humbert faced no break points but was able to generate seven on the Brazilian’s serve, converting two of them. In a close first set, Humbert was solid and aggressive in the lengthier exchanges, and he was rewarded from 5-5 in the first set to move a set and 3-1 up in the second to take control of the match.

Arthur Fils then put in an authoritative display to allow the French to finish the first day with a perfect score of 2-0 following a disciplined victory against Thiago Seyboth Wild, beating the Brazilian 6-1, 6-4.

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