CAIRO, September 14, 2019

Slovenia ended a seven-tie losing streak away from home by defeating Egypt 3-1 in the Davis Cup Europe-Africa Group II tie held on clay at the El Gezera Sporting Club in Cairo.

Top-ranked Slovenian Aljaz Bedene won the first rubber on Friday, as Karim-Mohamed Maamoun was forced to retire with Bedene leading 7-5, 4-1. Later in the day, Mohamed Safwat drew level following a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4) victory over Blaz Rola.

On Saturday, Bedene and Rola teamed up in doubles and edged past Sherif Shabry and Mohamed Safwat 7-5, 6-3 followed by a 7-5, 7-5 win from Bedene against Safwat.

“A busy day is behind us. Winning the doubles rubber was very important,” Slovenia’s Davis Cup captain Miha Mlakar said. “The duel of Mohammed Safwat and Aljaz Bedenet was of high quality. Safwat played very well, what he also showed against Blaz Rola. We are very happy with the win.”

Slovenia competed in Group II for the last three years following relegation in 2016. Last year the team suffered a narrow defeat to Poland before coming from behind to defeat Turkey in April. They will next contest the 2020 World Group I Play-offs.