Great Britain Secure Davis Cup Qualifying Progress with Doubles Victory over Norway
Great Britain booked their place in the final round of Davis Cup qualifying after completing a commanding 4-0 victory over Norway, capped by a hard-fought doubles win from Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool in Oslo. Despite entering the match as overwhelming favourites, the Wimbledon champions were pushed to their limits before ultimately sealing the tie and confirming Britain’s progression.
Cash and Glasspool faced Norway’s inexperienced pairing of Viktor Durasovic and Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, who are ranked 491st and 1,187th respectively in the doubles rankings. On paper, it appeared a mismatch. However, what unfolded on court was a dramatic and entertaining contest that briefly threatened to derail Britain’s momentum.
The British duo started exactly as expected, dominating the opening set with confident serving and aggressive net play. They quickly established control, racing through the first set 6-2 and looking on course for a straightforward victory. Yet, the match took a surprising turn in the second set as Cash and Glasspool suddenly lost rhythm, allowing the Norwegian pair to grow in confidence.
A Sudden Shift in Momentum
Norway’s young duo, particularly teenage prospect Budkov Kjaer, raised their level significantly in the second set. Budkov Kjaer showcased impressive shot-making from the baseline, repeatedly retrieving difficult balls and applying pressure during extended rallies. Cash, meanwhile, struggled on serve, being broken twice as Norway surged to claim the second set 6-2.
The unexpected dip in Britain’s performance injected tension into the tie, briefly raising the prospect of an upset. However, Cash and Glasspool responded with composure and experience in the deciding set.
The third set proved to be a tightly contested affair, with neither team able to convert their break-point opportunities. Norway continued to impress with their energy and resilience, while Glasspool remained rock-solid on serve, anchoring the British effort during crucial moments.
Eventually, the match was decided by a tense tie-break, where Cash and Glasspool’s superior ranking and big-match experience came to the fore. Despite a momentary lapse of concentration regarding the scoring format, the British pair clinched the tie-break 7-5, securing a 6-2 2-6 7-6 victory.
Momentary Confusion, Historic Result
After firing down a service winner to end the match, Cash initially walked back toward the baseline, believing a 10-point match tie-break was required. It took intervention from the umpire to clarify that the match – and indeed the entire Davis Cup tie – had already been decided.
The win confirmed Great Britain’s progression at the earliest possible opportunity, sparking celebrations from captain Leon Smith and the British camp. For Glasspool, the victory held special significance.
“It means the world,” Glasspool said after securing his first Davis Cup match win. “It had been a little monkey on our back, and now that’s gone. We can play with more freedom and hopefully go on to win many more matches.”
Clean Sweep Completed by Fearnley
Later in the day, Jacob Fearnley completed a clean sweep for Great Britain by defeating Budkov Kjaer 3-6 6-4 10-7 in a match tie-break. Although Norway showed flashes of promise throughout the tie, Britain’s depth and experience ultimately proved decisive.
The groundwork for victory had already been laid on Thursday, when Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie delivered composed singles performances against Durasovic and Budkov Kjaer respectively. Their wins gave Britain a commanding lead heading into the doubles match and allowed Smith to manage his squad carefully.
Draper’s Recovery Managed Carefully
Draper, who was making his return to singles action after an extended absence since August, looked sharp and confident in his performance. However, he did not feature on Friday as Britain opted to prioritise his long-term fitness.
The 22-year-old later withdrew from the upcoming ATP tournament in Rotterdam, explaining that caution was necessary as he continues his recovery.
“While I am feeling positive about how my recovery is going, I’ve been advised not to rush straight back into back-to-back matches,” Draper said. “As disappointing as it is not to be back out there, overall I’m trending in the right direction.”
Norway Weakened but Competitive
Norway entered the tie without their talisman Casper Ruud, the world number 12, who was absent following the birth of his first child. His unavailability significantly weakened the hosts, though their young players displayed commendable spirit and potential.
Budkov Kjaer, in particular, emerged as a bright prospect, demonstrating maturity beyond his years with his defensive skills and shot selection. His performance in the doubles match was one of the highlights of the entire tie, drawing praise from both teams.
Despite the absence of Ruud, Norway’s effort ensured the doubles encounter remained the most entertaining contest of the weekend. However, Britain’s world-class doubles specialists ultimately prevailed when it mattered most.
What Comes Next for Great Britain
With qualification secured, Great Britain will now face either Ecuador or Australia later this year for a place in the eight-team Davis Cup Finals in November. The performance in Oslo reinforced Britain’s status as a strong contender, blending experienced campaigners with emerging talent.
Captain Leon Smith will take encouragement from the composure shown under pressure, particularly in the doubles, as well as the encouraging signs from players returning from injury.
For continued coverage of Davis Cup action, British tennis updates, and global sports news, visit NetSports247:
👉 https://netsports247.com
