Our Aussie tennis stars have reached their first Davis Cup closing since 2003 with an enormous 2-1 upset victory over final yr’s runners-up Croatia 2-1.
Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson shocked 2021 Wimbledon champions Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic 6-7 (3/7), 7-5, 6-4 within the decisive doubles handy Australia a closing conflict in opposition to both Canada or Italy on Sunday.
The victory was reward for the choice by Australia skipper Lleyton Hewitt — who performed within the 2003 title-winning staff — to pair Thompson with Purcell.
Matthew Ebden, who had partnered Purcell to this yr’s Wimbledon title, had been scheduled to characteristic within the deciding rubber earlier than the late swap.
After Mektic and Pavic claimed the 53-minute opening set within the tie-break to nudge Croatia nearer to a fourth Davis Cup closing in six years, the Australian pair hit again.
They broke within the eleventh sport of the second set to stage earlier than breaking once more within the seventh sport of the decider on their method to victory after two hours and 14 minutes.
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Earlier, Alex de Minaur beat former US Open champion Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-2 to drag 28-time champions Australia stage after Borna Coric had given Croatia the lead within the semi-final with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Cilic, ranked 17 on the planet, was undone by 23 unforced errors as De Minaur, the world quantity 24, avenged a loss to the Croatian when the 2 nations met in final yr’s match.
“Marin’s a hell of a competitor, a veteran player of our sport that has accomplished amazing things. I knew what to expect, so I knew it was never going to be easy,” stated De Minaur.
“I knew I had to bring all the intensity I could, be as solid as I could, and try to be solid but aggressive at the same time.”
World quantity 26 Coric triumphed over Ninety fifth-ranked Kokkinakis in 92 minutes on the again of six aces and 18 winners because the two-time champions set their sights on a return to the ultimate having misplaced to Russia within the 2021 title match.
“This means a lot to me,” stated Coric, who has resurrected his profession in 2022 having not performed for 12 months till March this yr after present process proper shoulder surgical procedure.
“I was watching the guys playing Davis Cup when I was injured and doing my rehab. To play for Croatia is an amazing feeling for me.” Canada and Italy meet on Saturday within the second semi-final.
