Argentina beat Brazil 3-2 in Davis Cup

Leonardo Mayer helps Argentin

Buenos Aires, March 10 (IANS): Argentina completed a 3-2 victory over Brazil in their delayed Davis Cup World Group first round tie on the clay courts of Tecnópolis here.

Play was suspended on Sunday after the first set of the fifth rubber due to bad light which was then completed on Monday.

The fourth rubber of the tie between Argentina and Brazil was the longest Davis Cup singles rubber in history and the second longest singles match of all time. Argentine Leonardo Mayer defeated Brazil's Joao Souza 7-6(4), 7-6(5), 5-7, 5-7, 15-13 in six hours and 43 minutes.

In the quarterfinals, from July 17-19, Great Britain will be at home to France, Australia will host Kazakhstan, Belgium will play at home against Canada while Argentina will host Serbia. The deadline for confirmation of the venues is April 7.

The eight World Group first round losers will contest the play-offs between September 18-20 where they will be joined by the eight winners of the Zone Group I second round ties between July 17-19. The draw for the World Group play-offs will be held in London on July 21.

Results:

Joao Souza (BRA) beat Carlos Berlocq (ARG) 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2

Leonardo Mayer (ARG) beat Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3

Marcelo Melo/Bruno Soares (BRA) beat Carlos Berlocq/Diego Sebastian Schwartzman (ARG) 7-5, 6-3, 6-4

Leonardo Mayer (ARG) beat Joao Souza (BRA) 7-6(4), 7-6(5), 5-7, 5-7, 15-13

Federico Delbonis (ARG) beat Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 7-5