PORTOROZ, April 8, 2018

Slovenia and Turkey are locked at one match a piece after the opening day of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Europe/Africa Zone II Play-Offs. The tie is held on clay at SRC Marina Portoroz.

In summer temperatures at the Adreatic Seaside resort on Saturday, the host’s No. 1 player Aljaz Bedene defeated Altug Celikbilek 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 23 minues to keep Slovenia in contention in the tie after Cem Ilkel eased past Mike Urbanija 6-2, 6-1 in the opening rubber.

“The result is fair after the first day. Mike unfortunately could not stand the pressure, but Aljaz showed again what kind of player he is,” Slovenia’s Davis Cup captain Miha Mlakar commented.

Sunday’s play starts with the doubles rubber when Aljaz Bedene and Kočevar Dešman will take on Sarp Agabigun and Tuna Altuna followed by the singles reverse rubbers.

Photo Gallery Day 1 (by Sportida/Vid Ponikvar):