SCHWECHAT, Austria (AP) — Jurgen Melzer and Oliver Marach have won their doubles match against France, cutting Austria’s deficit to 2-1 in the first round of the Davis Cup.
The Austrians defeated Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 Saturday to stave off elimination in the best-of-five series. France opened a 2-0 lead Friday with straight-set singles wins by Jeremy Chardy and Gilles Simon.
Melzer and Marach were partners for the first time in a top-level tennis match. Melzer closed the victory with a forehand volley on the first match point.
In Sunday’s reverse singles, Melzer faces Simon and Stefan Koubek is to meet Chardy.
