Tennis

Austria wins Davis Cup doubles, trails France 2-1

Published Mar. 5, 2011 5:44 p.m. ET

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Jurgen Melzer and Oliver Marach have won their doubles match against France, cutting Austria's deficit to 2-1 in the first round of the Davis Cup.

The Austrians defeated Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 Saturday to stave off elimination in the best-of-five series. France opened a 2-0 lead Friday with straight-set singles wins by Jeremy Chardy and Gilles Simon.

Melzer and Marach were partners for the first time in a top-level tennis match. Melzer closed the victory with a forehand volley on the first match point.

In Sunday's reverse singles, Melzer faces Simon and Stefan Koubek is to meet Chardy.

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