Korea Stuns Argentina 3-2 in Davis Cup 2026 Qualifier (Argentina fue eliminado)

The Gijang Indoor Stadium in Busan erupted in celebration as South Korea's men's tennis team pulled off a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Argentina in the 2026 Davis Cup Qualifiers first round.

Day One: A Split in Singles

On February 7, Hyeon Chung (world No. 392) took the court first against Argentina's Thiago Agustin Tirante (No. 95). Despite winning the first set 6-2, Chung couldn't maintain his momentum, dropping the second set 5-7 and the decisive third-set tiebreak 5-7 after leading 3-1.

However, Soonwoo Kwon (No. 343) turned the tide in the second singles match. The military serviceman dominated Marco Trungelliti (No. 134), winning the first-set tiebreak 8-6 and cruising through the second set 6-2 in just 94 minutes. He recorded 8 aces, just 1 double fault, and a perfect 100% break point conversion rate (3/3).

Day Two: From Crisis to Triumph

On February 8, Korea's doubles team of Nam Ji-sung and Park Ui-sung fell to Guido Andreozzi and Federico Gomez 3-6, 5-7, leaving Korea trailing 1-2.

Kwon stepped up once again in the fourth rubber, defeating Tirante 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to level the tie at 2-2. "The crowd cheered so loudly. It really helped me stay focused," Kwon said after the match.

Chung's Redemption: The Decisive Fifth Match

In the winner-takes-all decider, Chung found redemption. After his heartbreaking first-day loss, the former world No. 19 dismantled Trungelliti 6-4, 6-3 to seal Korea's 3-2 victory. It was a powerful statement that despite his injury struggles, Chung "still has a lot to offer on the circuit."

India Awaits

Korea will face India — who defeated the Netherlands 3-2 — in the second-round qualifier in September, with a spot in the Davis Cup Final 8 at stake.

Argentina, meanwhile, faced this tie without their top seven players, all of whom declined due to scheduling conflicts and injury concerns. The nation now faces a relegation playoff in September, a significant blow for a country with deep Davis Cup traditions.

With a 92% ticket sell-out rate, the Busan crowd proved to be a decisive factor, showcasing the magic of international team tennis at its finest.