Netherlands earn eighth BNP Paribas World Team Cup men's title
Netherlands claimed their eighth BNP Paribas World Team Cup men’s title on Sunday in Vilamoura after Ruben Spaargaren and Tom Egberink both won in straight sets to seal a 2-0 victory over Spain for the second year in succession.
Spaargaren raced to a 4-0 lead in his first singles match with Spain’s Daniel Caverzaschi, who was unable to show the early dominance that he had in his semi-final match-up with Japan’s Tokito Oda.
Caverzaschi double-faulted to hand world No. 11 Spaargaren the double break, but showed signs of rediscovering his form as he broke the Dutchman in the fifth game and held his own serve to love in the next. However, either by luck or design, Spaargaren forced Caverzaschi to make the unforced error that sealed the opening set.
The second set followed a similar early pattern, Spaargaren earning a commanding 3-0 advantage before being broken to love, only for Caverzaschi to hand the break back with another untimely double fault.
In the end, Spaargaren served out the contest with just his second hold of the set to complete his 6-3 6-2 win.
“Compared to last year, of course it's a unique feeling but I think we had that experience from last year to use to win the title again,” said Spaargaren.
“My nerves are a little bit more down this year, so I think that helps a lot and Tom played great. Maikel (Scheffers) also did his part during the week, so I’m really proud of the team and, well, let's do it again next year.”
World No. 6 Egberink had been to a third and deciding set in three singles matches earlier this week as he continues to recover from contracting Covid-19 and being unable to play in last week’s Vilamoura Open.
However, the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist seemed to have no ill effects as he sped to the opening set against Spain’s Martin de la Puente 6-1.
The seventh game of the second set proved pivotal, with De la Puente now back into a rhythm, but after having advantage point on six occasions Egberink held on to edge ahead 4-3 before wrapping up the Dutch victory 6-1 6-3.
“I think I played my best tennis this week,” said a delighted Egberink. “Last week, I was so sick and so I couldn't really move in the first few days of this week, but was, like ‘okay, I'm going to try’. I need a rhythm and I finally got it at the the end of the week. So, the final day is the most important one and I think I played solid tennis, but not the best I can play.
“I'm happy with the level I'm coming back every time,” he added. “It was a really good effort from Ruben. He played really well against Dani, so I was more relaxed at 1-0 up. We're really excited to have back-to back titles.”