Egypt shocked and all hopes vanished to get promoted to Europe/Africa Zone Group I next year after losing 3-1 against Solvenia in Europe/Africa Zone Group II of Davis Cup tie 2019 at El-Gezira Sporting Club in Cairo on Saturday. Slovenia's dream came true they get promoted for Europe/Africa Zone Group I while, Egypt remained in Group II. On Friday, both teams Egypt and Slovenia ended the first day's singles play 1-1 after Egypt's Karim Maamoun lost his match against Aljaz Bedene 5-7,1-4. His teammate Mohamed Safwat defeated Blaz Rola 6-4,1-6,7-6 in the second singles rubber. Egypt's technical manager Mustafa Naim told Ahram Online, “Maamoun performed well but unfortunately after the first set, he get fatigue and suffered mainly from heatstroke. Safwat also, has a good much.” On Saturday, Bedene, world no 75, has a perfect performance. He won his two matches. In double match, Bedene and Rola gave Solvenia a winning start when they defeated Egypt's Sherif Sabri and Mohamed Safwat 7-5,6-3. Bedene beat Safwat again 7-5,7-5 in the single match. Naim believed that Egyptian team performance was getting improved in comparison to last year, he added, “Egyptian team were much better this year. Our level now, we can compete with top countries that excel in tennis sport.” It was the first time the tie played in the new format of Davis cup. “It is very exhausting for players but very interesting for spectators,” Naim commented. “Player has two play two matches in the same day instead of one each day. It is too much pressure and stress,” concluded Naim. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
