Despite its diminutive size, the Principality of Monaco is making its presence felt on the world stage of tennis after a respectable win against Paraguay has seen the nation progress from the World Group II play-offs to the World Group II final stage.
The Davis Cup is one of the oldest and most respected men’s tournaments in the tennis world, and after an excellent showing in the recent World Group II play-offs, which saw Monaco beat Paraguay 3-1, the Principality now stands a strong chance of improving its Davis Cup rankings when the World Group II final ties come round in September.
Between 3rd and 4th February, four of Monaco’s star players were welcomed to the Club Internacional de Tenis in the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion for a series of important matches.
Monaco’s Benjamin Balleret lost out to Daniel Vallejo in the first, but Valentin Vacherot stepped up in the second match to win against his Paraguayan opponent, Martin Antonio Vergara Del Puerto.
Next came a doubles match featuring Monaco’s Hugo Nys and Romain Arneodo against Vallejo and Vergara, which was dominated by the Monegasques.
Vacherot sealed the deal for Monaco and helped secure his nation’s ascension to the World Group II finals with a win against Vallejo.
Come September, their opponents could include the likes of Ecuador, Bulgaria, Romania, Mexico, New Zealand and Ireland.
Monaco is currently ranked 57th in the global Davis Cup rankings.
2024 Davis Cup Finals
Following the Davis Cup Qualifiers, which took place around the world between 1st and 4th February, the 16 contenders for the Finals Group Stage later this year have also been confirmed.
Joining automatic entries Italy and Australia, who were the respective winners and runners-up of the 2023 edition, are Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Slovakia and the USA. The remaining two seats have gone to wildcard entries Great Britain and Spain.
After matches in four chosen cities between 10th and 15th September, the final eight countries will go on to the Finals in Malaga, which will be held from 19th to 24th November.
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Photo credit: Club Internacional de Tenis of Paraguay