The first racket of the Lithuanian national team lost 4:6, 4:6 to Serbia’s second racket Hamad Medjedović, who on Saturday evening extended the hosts’ lead in the best-of-three Davis Cup tie in Niš to 2:0.
Instant understanding
23-year-old Hamad Medjedović, who won the “NextGen” finals three years ago (featuring the best under-21 tennis players in the world), reached 56th position in the world rankings this year.
He is known for his friendship with N. Djokovic – the Serbian legend personally coached the young compatriot on the court and provided financial support, covering all travel expenses.
In the first matches, V. Gaubas, along with other teammates and several dozen Lithuanian fans in the stands, passionately supported their comrade and good friend Edas Butvilas.
The 22-year-old from Klaipėda, ranked 194th in the world, gave a brave fight to the Serbian first racket in this tournament Miomir Kecmanović (ATP-61) and led 4:2 in the third set, but eventually lost 5:7, 6:1, 5:7.
VIDEO: Edas Butvilas commented on the dramatic match in Serbia
Edas Butvilas commented on the dramatic match in Serbia
Kęstas Rimkus
The national teams’ battle will continue on Sunday, when the competition begins with the doubles match. The captain of the Lithuanian team Laurynas Grigelis nominated Justas Trainauskas (ATP-1677) and Pijus Vaitiekūnas (ATP-1689) for him, while the Serbian captain Viktor Troicki chose Stefan Latinović (doubles ATP-90) and M. Kecmanović. The doubles match starts at 2 p.m.
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After the doubles, two more singles matches are scheduled: M. Kecmanović will play against V. Gaubas, and H. Medjedović against E. Butvilas.
