Monaco produced one of the most memorable results in its Davis Cup history on Saturday, defeating Kazakhstan 3–1 in Astana to secure a place in World Group I this September…
Entering the tie as underdogs against a higher-ranked opponent led by world number 10 Alexander Bublik, the Monegasque team delivered a performance defined by resilience, precision and collective belief.
After Friday’s singles split left the match level at 1–1, Saturday proved decisive. The doubles pairing of Romain Arneodo and Hugo Nys set the tone with a hard-fought victory over Bublik and Beibit Zhukayev, edging a gripping contest decided by three tie-breaks and lasting nearly three hours. Their win handed Monaco a crucial advantage and shifted momentum firmly in the visitors’ favour.
With qualification on the line, Valentin Vacherot then stepped onto court to face Bublik in the decisive singles. Demonstrating remarkable composure, the Monegasque number one matched the Kazakh star shot for shot in an intense duel dominated by tie-breaks. Vacherot eventually prevailed 7–6, 7–6, converting his fifth match point with an ace to seal the historic victory.
Celebrations erupted as the team embraced at centre court, having completed a stunning upset against the 31st-ranked nation in the world. Monaco, currently ranked 44th, now advances to World Group I, where it will compete in September for a place among the elite nations of international tennis.
For Monaco’s Davis Cup squad, the result marks a defining moment, proof that determination and unity can deliver extraordinary outcomes on the global stage.
Images: Communication Department / M Vitali