Davis Cup Tennis 2017: Friday Scores and Results, Updated Quarterfinals Schedule
It was the perfect day for France as they captured a 2-0 lead over Great Britain in the quarterfinals of the 2017 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas on Friday.
The French hosts won every set on offer as they pummelled the 2015 champions in the opening two rubbers in Rouen, France.
Australia have one foot in the semi-finals after they claimed a 2-0 advantage over the United States. Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson won their individual singles matches against John Isner and Jack Sock.
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There were also 2-0 first-day victories for Serbia and Belgium, as they took control against Spain and Italy, respectively.
Here are the Day 1 scores in the last eight:
| Belgium | 2-0 | Italy |
| Australia | 2-0 | United States |
| France | 2-0 | Great Britain |
| Serbia | 2-0 | Spain |
Friday Recap
France need to win just one more rubber to eliminate Great Britain, who are severely weakened with the absence of Andy Murray.
World No. 17 Lucas Pouille gave the hosts the perfect start after a close-fought contest against Kyle Edmund.
The Frenchman prevailed 7-5, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, displaying a better knowledge of the clay-court conditions as the ball sat up.
Daniel Evans couldn't restore British hopes in the second rubber as recently recalled Jeremy Chardy railroaded his opponent with a run of unplayable tennis.
Chardy was favoured by France captain Yannick Noah over Gilles Simon, and he repaid his confidence with a straight-sets victory, winning 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 in under two hours.
The French player won 77 per cent of his first-serve points, as Evans appeared downtrodden in the fight.
According to the Davis Cup's official website, Chardy said he was delighted with his selection and performance:
"I found out [I was playing] just the night before you guys. It was a surprise for me, but I was practicing really well. Yannick told me 'you're feeling the ball well, I trust you, and I want you to go on court'.
"
Last year was difficult for me so I am enjoying tonight. I am happy to feel great on court again.
Sock could not contain Thompson in the opening rubber of the United States' match against Australia, as he was defeated 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4 at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, Australia.
Kyrgios was in no mood to allow Isner into their encounter as he edged the second rubber in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5).
The Aussies need just one more point to win the tie and take their place in the next round, as do Serbia and Belgium, who replicated their results.
Novak Djokovic beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 for Serbia, and Viktor Troicki defeated Pablo Carreno Busta 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Belgium took control against the Italians, with Steve Darcis winning 6-7 (7-3), 6-1, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) against Paolo Lorenzi and David Goffin skipping past Andreas Seppi, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.
Matches resume on Saturday as the doubles take place in Rubber 3.
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