Argentina captured its third title at the 30th edition of the ARAG ATP World Team Championship, coming back to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in the Match Tie-break of the decisive doubles match on Saturday at the Rochusclub.
Agustin Calleri and Jose Acasuso came from down a set and a break in the second set to pull off the Championship-clinching victory over Czechs Tomas Berdych and Martin Damm, 2-6, 6-4, 10-4 (Match TB).
The Czechs appeared on the verge of winning their first title in Duesseldorf after going up 4-2 in the second set, but the break proved to be the wake-up call Argentina needed. Calleri and Acasuso claimed the next four games to push the Championship tie into the Match Tie-break for the first time in the event's 30 year history, and capitalized on the first of five Championship points to set off the celebration by the Argentine contingent.
"Down 4-2 in the second set we thought that could be it. But Jose and Agustin played a very good game to break Berdych and get back in the match," said Argentina's Team Captain Daniel Orsanic.
"Our goal for this week was to leave it all on court. Winning the ARAG World Team Cup was a consequence of our hard work. I dedicate this title to the people from Argentina who is watching us on TV."
Argentina began the day at a deficit after Berdych defeated Juan Ignacio Chela in a three-set battle. Berdych entered the opening match of the Championship tie with an 0-2 lifetime record against Chela and appeared in danger of falling to the Argentine once again. Chela took the opening set before Berdych battled back to even the score.
Play was deadlocked on serve at 3-2 in the third set when a light rainfall temporarily suspended the first singles match. When play resumed about an hour later, both players staunchly held their ground, sending the match to the decisive third-set tie-break.
Berdych went up the mini-break at 4-all when Chela's shot clipped the net and bounced wide, and he placed himself a point within victory by following with an ace. He closed out the win on his second match point when Chela returned a shot long.
Jan Hajek followed his compatriot onto the court and looked to turn in his third consecutive tie-clinching victory as he faced off against Calleri for the first time. But Calleri, ranked 72 spots above Hajek at No. 29 in the ATP Rankings, overwhelmed the Czech in 72 minutes. Calleri converted on four of 11 break opportunities and denied Hajek any chances to keep Argentine's title pursuit intact.
Calleri said: "I take a lot from this week. I played some very tough matches that helped me to get prepared for Roland Garros. I take a lot of pride when I play for my country. It's not the same when I play in the tour."
Argentina, playing in their second Championship tie in three years, secured their spot atop the Red Group with wins over Sweden and Chile. They won their first World Team Championship in 1980 by defeating Italy and recaptured the title in 2002 over Russia. Their two runner-up finishes, in 1989 and 2005, both came to host nation Germany.
Acasuso, the first Argentine to win the ARAG ATP World Team Championship on two occasions (also in 2002), said: "We came to win this event. None of the guys thought they were better than the other. We played as a team and were able to win it all. To win an event is always good for your confidence."
The Czech Republic came into Duesseldorf as dark horse contenders after former-World No. 8 Radek Stepanek suddenly withdrew prior to the start of the tournament, but they emerged as the only undefeated team in Round Robin play this week with victories over Spain, Belgium and Germany. They previously reached the final on three occasions, in 1996, 1998 and 2003.
