MINSK, 2 May (BelTA) – Belarus will play Russia in the first round of the Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group I relegation playoff in Moscow, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Tennis Federation.
The tie will be held in the Luzhniki Small Sports Arena on 14 September - 15 September 2018.
Russia lost to Austria 1-3 and now will take on Belarus on the home turf. In early February, Belarus was blanked by Austria 0:5.
The head-to-head records between the two is in favor of Belarus. In February 2004 Belarus beat Russia in the Davis Cup World Group First Round 3:2.
Recently, Russia men's tennis team has been experiencing certain difficulties. They had their last victory in September 2016. The Russians lost to Serbia (1-4), Hungary (1-3) and recently Austria (1-3). For the past two years Belarus scored two wins: over Romania 3-2 and Austria 3-1 and also suffered two defeats: Switzerland 2-3 and Austria 0-5.
The winner of the Russia vs Belarus tie will remain in the Europe/Africa Zone Group I and will start the 2019 season in the first round. The losing side will play Slovakia in October 2018 to keep a place in the group.