Davis Cup: Mannarino falls from entry against Evans, France in danger in front of Great Britain

In this new version of the Davis Cup, no room for error.

So, to avoid too many fears, it was better to start this day on Saturday for the Blues, who are playing in Innsbruck (Austria) their second confrontation in Pool C, against Great Britain, two days after their success 2- 1 against an eye-catching Czech Republic.

When entering the Austrian court, accompanied by a cathedral atmosphere in this heavy camera, Adrian Mannarino knew his mission: to lay the first stone in the building of a French team determined to afford a new victory which would ensure him the first place, and the qualification in the quarter-finals.

But although battling against a superior opponent, the 71st world could not overthrow Daniel Evans (7-5, 6-4), 25th at ATP.

Dominated by a diligent and enterprising Briton, the 33-year-old Frenchman held up well in each set, but had to resolve to surrender each time.

"This is an absolute bullseye!"

🎯

Dan Evans, take a bow ... #DavisCupFinals #byRakuten pic.twitter.com/jgZLW7b6Ey

- Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 27, 2021

Already savior of the Blues against Jiří Veselý (6-7, 6-4, 6-2), after the initial defeat of Richard Gasquet on Thursday, the march was too high this time for Mannarino, who could not succeed in another stunning performance.

And with him, the French are now very badly on board.

Because in this format with three nations per group, the

Davis Cup

leaves little room for points abandoned along the way.

Rinderknech in the deep end for its premiere in blue

Arthur Rinderknech (58th), who replaces a disappointing Richard Gasquet, will experience his first with the tricolor tunic from 12 hours in singles against the formidable left-hander Cameron Norrie, 12th in the ATP ranking.

It will take a small feat of the French to win and allow the tricolor pair composed of Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut to play the decisive point against the duo Jo Salisbury and Neal Skupsky, respectively 3rd and 20th in the ATP ranking in doubles.

Despite its inaugural success, the group guided by Sébastien Grosjean is already on a tightrope.

In question, these four sets lost against the Czechs on Thursday which could cost the Blues dearly in their quest to be among the two best runners-up in this group stage with six groups.

Unless Rinderknech in turn dons the savior costume against Norrie, and throws everything back.