Great Britain's Davis Cup reign ends as Dan Evans loses to Leonardo Mayer of Argentina
Sunday 18 September 2016 20:15, UK
Great Britain's reign as Davis Cup champions came to an end at the hands of Argentina, who battled past their hosts to claim a hard-fought 3-2 victory in Glasgow.
Although Andy Murray opened proceedings on Sunday with a straight sets victory over Guido Pella, to level the tie at 2-2, Dan Evans was unable to clinch a famous triumph, losing in two hours, 46 minutes to Leonardo Mayer.
After Murray had beaten Pella 6-3 6-2 6-3, without once having to face a break point, Evans was beaten 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 by the one-time world No 21.
Evans, the world No 53 who had replaced Kyle Edmond for Sunday's concluding singles, made a strong start by taking the opening set in 43 minutes.
However, the 29-year-old Mayer found his range during the second set, winning 10 of 13 games, as the tie began to turn at Emirates Hall.
Evans, 26, never gave up and, during the fourth set, saved three break points in the opening game, which lasted for 22 points.
But Mayer always appeared to hold the upper hand, breaking Evans in game five before serving out to love for the win.
His booming serve proved crucial, as he sent down 15 aces to three from Evans, who could only break once during the entire match.
Argentina will now face Croatia in the final in late November.
Croatia, who beat France 3-2 in Zadar, were champions in 2005 while Argentina have already contested four finals but have never lifted the trophy.
"It never feels good losing, of course it doesn't, but no regrets," GB captain Leon Smith told the BBC.
"We just asked the guys to go out and fight their hardest, the Argentinians over the course of the weekend just played that little bit better and got the wins that were needed."
