Melbourne (AFP)

Beaten by Italy 2-1, France was eliminated from the ATP Cup semi-finals race even before their last group match against Austria.

The French were no match for Italy and are leaving the competition in the group stage, as in 2020.

Fabio Fognini launched his own perfectly, easily beating Benoit Paire 6-1, 7-6 (7/2).

Matteo Berrettini then gave his country the second point after their victory over Gaël Monfils 6-4, 6-2.

The Nicolas Mahut / Edouard Roger-Vasselin pair saved the honor by beating Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

Thanks to its victory against Austria on Tuesday (2-1), Italy is therefore guaranteed to finish at the top of Group C, and qualifies for the semi-finals.

It was joined in the last four by Russia, which ensured its qualification by crushing Japan.

After a successful debut against Argentina, Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev impressed again, beating Kei Nishikori and Yoshihito Nishioka respectively, leaving them just 10 games between them.

In group A, Germany, led by Alexander Zverev, dominated 2 wins to 1 over Canada, already eliminated.

After Jan-Lennard Struff's victory over Milos Raonic, the world No. 7, finalist of the last US Open, still had to work to beat Denis Shapovalov in three sets 6-7 (5/7), 6- 3, 7-6 (7/4).

The Peter Polansky / Steven Diez pair gave Canada a point against Jan-Lennard Struff and Kevin Krawietz.

The ticket to the semi-finals will be played Thursday between Germany and Serbia of Novak Djokovic.

In Group B, Australia dominated Greece 2-1, thanks to the victory of the double John Peers / Luke Saville against Michail Pervolarakis and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Earlier, Tsitsipas, world No. 6, equalized by defeating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 7-5, while John Millman won the opener against Michail Pervolarakis.

Results of the ATP Cup matches played on Wednesday:

Group A

.

GERMANY BAT CANADA 2 to 1

Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) beats Milos Raonic (CAN) 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/2)

Alexander Zverev (GER) beats Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/4)

Peter Polansky / Steven Diez (CAN) beat Jan-Lennard Struff / Kevin Krawietz (GER) 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (6/8), 10-3

Group B

.

AUSTRALIA BAT GREECE 2 to 1

John Millman (AUS) def. Michail Pervolarakis (GRE) 6-2, 6-3

Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) beats Alex De Minaur (AUS) 6-3, 7-5

John Peers / Luke Saville (AUS) beat Michail Pervolarakis / Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 4-6, 10-5

Group C

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ITALY BAT FRANCE 2 to 1, Italy qualified for the semi-finals

Fabio Fognini (ITA) beats Benoit Paire (FRA) 6-1, 7-6 (7/2)

Matteo Berrettini (ITA) beats Gael Monfils (FRA) 6-4, 6-2

Nicolas Mahut / Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA) beat Simone Bolelli / Andrea Vavassori (ITA) 6-3, 6-4

Group D

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RUSSIA BEATS JAPAN 2 to 1, Russia qualified for the semi-finals

Andrey Rublev (RUS) def. Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) 6-1, 6-3

Daniil Medvedev (RUS) def. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 6-2, 6-4

Ben McLachlan (JPN) / Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) defeat Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) / Aslan Karatsev (RUS) 4-6, 6-3, 12-10

© 2021 AFP