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NZ's Dan King-Turner and Michael Venus in action against Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin and Farrukh Dustov. - Source: Photosport -
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Uzbekistan have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in their Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1 first round tie against New Zealand in Tauranga today.
The Uzbekistan doubles team of Denis Istomin and Farrukh Dustov defeated the New Zealand pairing of Michael Venus and Dan King-Turner in three sets 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-1.
It was a much improved performance by the Kiwis with just one service break in the first set and a tight tiebreak in the second while the third set had Istomin, the world No58 down love-40 on his serve at 3-1 up.
Unfortunately for the home side they squandered the three break points and then one more at advantage which could have put them at 2-3 with their own serve to come.
Despite the loss Kiwi captain Marcel Vos was philosophical about the day's play.
"We were always the underdogs going into this tie, obviously with Istomin it was tough, but we had to believe we could do this.
"I think the boys came out pretty good. We were a little bit unlucky and a couple of points in the tiebreak didn't go our way.
"I think they deserved to win," said Vos.
At times the Kiwis matched their higher ranked opponents in the doubles and were serving just as strong, however vital points appeared to go against them.
"Istomin was just swinging and playing pretty well," said King-Turner.
"It was a tough match and pretty tight in some parts."
Whereas Istomin considered the match just another contest to win, saying: "I wasn't too worried about the break points in the third set, we were still going to be up 3-2 if I lost my serve.
"We're happy with the overall victory."
The reverse singles, which are 'dead' matches will be played at 11am tomorrow with each team's player yet to be decided.
"We both want to play the reverse singles - in fact I think everyone does. It's an honour to do so.
"There could be some discussion tonight about that," laughed Venus.
