Alex de Minaur conceded to having “one of those days” as Australia’s hopes of repeating final yr’s run to the Davis Cup finals had been left hanging by a thread in Manchester.
Both de Minaur, the world No.12, and Thanasi Kokkinakis misplaced their singles matches in opposition to Great Britain because the Aussies misplaced the primary of three pool matches 2-1, a doubles victory the one success.
Kokkinakis misplaced to 21-year-old debutant Jack Draper in three units earlier than de Minaur was taken down by world No.27 Jack Evans, who was chosen within the No.1 place forward of Seventeenth-ranked compatriot Cameron Norrie, additionally in three units.
Australia now faces France in a must-win tie with solely the highest two international locations from every group progressing to the finals in Spain and November.
Team captain Lleyton Hewitt stated his males had been shut sufficient to recommend a turnaround was imminent.
“We were awfully close to probably winning 2-1 or 3-0 if things had of went our way,” Hewitt stated.
“Thanasi, that was a flip of the coin in the end and could have gone either way.
“Alex, if he could have taken his chances early in the first set, it could have been slightly different as well.
“In this format, anything could happen.”
De Minaur had received seven of his previous eight Davis Cup matches however after taking place 0-4 within the deciding set couldn’t fairly reel in Evans’ lead.
“It is disappointing that I couldn’t get it done for my country and teammates,” de Minaur stated.
“Today was just one of those days, I lost to the better man.”
Kokkinakis served for the match within the tenth sport of the deciding set of his match however world No.106 Draper used the power of the house crowd to combat again and shut out his match.
“I had golden opportunities serving for it obviously and 4-2 up in the breaker serving but let the nerves get to me,” a dissatisfied Kokkinakis stated.
“Hats off to him, he played some good tennis when he needed to, but it’s definitely a tough one and stings for sure.”
Matt Ebden and Max Purcell secured the ultimate doubles rubber, with the 2022 Wimbledon champions taking what could possibly be a vital win for the Australians ought to the win-loss ratio decide who progresses to the finals.
Source: www.news.com.au
