Japan won their second Junior Davis Cup by BNP Paribas title after denying USA's hopes of a home triumph with victory in the deciding doubles in the 2019 Final in Lake Nona, Florida.

USA’s Toby Kodat, back in the singles line-up for the final, justified his inclusion with a 6-3 6-3 win over Kokoro Isomura to put the United States 1-0 up in the tie, but Japan bounced back to clinch the title thanks to Shintaro Mochizuki, who won both his singles and then the doubles alongside Yamato Sueoka.

The second match was a colossal battle of the top-ranked juniors: Mochizuki against Martin Damm. Both had starred on numerous occasions for their nations over the past week in Orlando and both would have to do the same again in order to bring home the top prize.

The duo both play at the IMG Academy in Florida and are close friends, but, niceties were put aside for the contest - played at a tremendous pace from start to finish. Mochizuki expertly dealt with the big-serving Damm and his aggressive, net-charging style, eventually prevailing 7-6(3) 7-5. 

The two were back in action for the deciding doubles - Damm partnering Kodat against Mochizuki and Sueoka, and Damm and Kodat had reason to feel confident. The dou have appeared unconquerable at times through the week in their doubles displays, twice winning match tie-breaks to guide USA to the final. However, their heroics earlier in the week appeared to have taken their toll on the American duo, with the two failing to match the energy shown by the Japense pairing, who ran out 6-4 6-3 winners to seal the title.

Although Mochizuki was the focal point of the Japanese team, it was Sueoka who impressed the most in the doubles, drawing gasps from the crowd at times with his stunning passing shots and deft net play.

Captain Ko Iwamoto was full of praise for his young charges after his team's triumph. 

“I can’t stop smiling," he said. "We told the kids we have nothing to lose. The USA have two of the best juniors at this age group in Martin and Toby but we’ve been confident all week.

“Shintaro can compete with both of them. I told my boys to go for everything and have fun. Especially Yamoto – he’s smiling out on court but he was very nervous."

One thing that really stood out from this Japanese side was the way they played with a smile on their faces and that continued long after the match, with a beaming Shintaro Mochizuki unable to contain his happiness in his post-match interview

“It’s just unbelievable. I can’t exactly say how I feel. I’m so happy,” gushed Mochizuki. “I love playing for my team. We were really positive even when losing points, we knew it would be tough playing the USA at home but we enjoyed the occasion.”

Asked about his future for Japan in team competitions, Mochizuki admitted he has eyes on playing Davis Cup in future.

“This is my last time as a junior but I hope in a year or two I can step up. Playing with my teammates is different here compared to on the circuit. My win is not just for me but for the whole team.”

For the full set of results from the final day of play in Orlando, including final standings, click here: Junior Davis Cup