Davis Cup: Georgia beats Zimbabwe in 5 game series

Georgia has retained its place among the top nations of the Davis Cup tennis tournament after defeating Zimbabwe in capital Tbilisi within a series of five games.

The series concluded over the weekend and the result meant Georgia remained in Group 2 of the Davis Cup tennis tournament rankings.

Georgia’s tennis team was led by world number 121 Nikoloz Basilashvili. The hosts came from behind on the last day of play to win the series 3-2.

Georgia and Zimbabwe faced each other in Tbilisi for the right to survive elimination from the Europe/Africa Group 2 of the prestigious tournament, also known as the World Cup of Tennis.

Georgia reached Group 2 after being promoted from Group 3 after success last year.

Georgia's George Tsivadze (L) lost to Benjamin Lock in the first game of the series on Friday. Photo from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia.

Georgia started this year's Davis Cup calendar on a low with a loss to Denmark in the first round of Group 2 calendar in March. Because of this result Georgia had to win the relegation play-off match against Zimbabwe to stay in the upper tier for next year's competition.

Georgia rose to the occasion and defeated Zimbabwe in a series of five singles and doubles matches held at Mziuri Tennis Club over three days from July 15.

After the opening day's two singles matches, Georgia and Zimbabwe had won one game each. Georgia's George Tsivadze was defeated by Benjamin Lock 3-6, 6-0, 7-5, 6-7, 6-4 before Basilashvili won his match against Mark Fynn with a score of 6-3, 6-3 6-2.

Georgia’s team was led by the country’s top tennis player Nikoloz Basilashvili. Photo from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia.

On Saturday the two teams took to the court for a doubles match. Basilashvili and Nodar Itonishvili faced Benjamin Lock and Courtney John Lock in a long and closely contested game.

Georgia was close to winning after taking the first two sets 6-3, 6-3, however the Zimbabwean pair came from behind and won the following three sets 6-7 4-6, 4-6 which saw them win the match.

But Georgia won the final two singles games on Sunday. Basilashvili defeated Benjamin Lock 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and George Tsivadze won over Mark Fynn 6-3, 7-5, 6-3, which saw Georgia achieve the final overall win with a score of 3-2.

This year's Group 2 featured 16 teams competing for promotion to Group 1 or retaining their place for the 2017 edition of the tournament which involved more than 120 nations in various tiers and regional sections last year.