Bermuda achieved one of the greatest upsets in its tennis history, defeating Georgia 3-2 in a pulsating Davis Cup World Group II play-off in Cyprus. In a tie spanning two days of high drama, the 81st-ranked Gombey Warriors proved they were no pushovers by taking down a nation ranked 30 places above them.
The foundation of this historic victory was built on the incredible endurance of Daniel Phillips. After his three-hour heroics in an opening day win, Phillips returned on Saturday alongside Trey Mallory for a pivotal doubles rubber.
The Bermudian duo faced a formidable Georgian pair in Saba Purtseladze and Aleksandre Bakshi. Despite the Georgians firing six aces, the Bermudian pair’s consistency told the story, completing 73% of their first serves to secure a gritty 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory.
The win gave Bermuda a 2-1 lead, but the tie was pushed to a decider after Phillips fell in straight sets in his reverse singles. With the pressure at its peak, veteran Wayne Montgomery stepped onto the court to face Zura Tkemaladze.
Montgomery initially struggled as the Georgian swept through the first set 6-2. However, in a display of veteran grit, Montgomery refused to buckle, winning the second set in a tie-breaker before racing to a 6-3 finish in the decider. The two-hour and twenty-five-minute battle sparked wild celebrations as Bermuda secured their place in World Group II.
This victory marks a new pinnacle for the sport on the island, officially putting Bermuda on the international tennis map as they ascend to World Group II for the first time.
