In fantastic fettle: Jordan Thompson
Alex de Minaur and Jordan Thompson received their singles matches to assist Australia qualify for the Davis Cup semifinals for the primary time since 2017 on the expense of the Netherlands.
De Minaur beat Botic van de Zandschulp 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 to clinch the collection 2-0 and arrange a semifinal tie in opposition to both Spain or Croatia.
“We have an amazing crew, a whole lot of perception, and a whole lot of ardour,” De Minaur mentioned. “I am very pleased to win immediately. ”Each one among these gamers on our crew will play their coronary heart out. We’ll do every thing we will for our nation.” Australia is the second most profitable nation within the crew competitors with 28 titles however the final triumph dates to 2003.
De Minaur accomplished his rally with a break within the tenth recreation of the ultimate set by constructing a 40-0 lead and changing the primary match level on an indoor hardcourt within the southern Spanish metropolis of Malaga.
He began his comeback by breaking Van de Zandschulp within the first and final video games of the second set. The Dutch participant took the primary set with a break within the twelfth recreation. He recorded three victories within the group stage, together with a win over American Taylor Fritz.
Earlier, Jordan Thompson additionally got here from a set right down to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 and provides Australia a 1-0 lead. The Australian hit 16 aces to beat his Dutch opponent in a hard-fought match that took virtually three hours.
“Davis Cup is one thing particular, you’re feeling additional strain, so I used to be a bit of bit bit tight to begin with,” Thompson mentioned. “He was enjoying nice tennis however I hung in there, obtained a bit extra aggressive because the match went on. It means the world.” Thompson obtained the decisive break to leap to a 4-2 lead within the last set and held on. After dropping the opening set, the Australian got here again with a break within the twelfth recreation of the second set.
The ultimate doubles of Wimbledon champions Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell of Australia in opposition to Wesley Koolhof and Matwe Middelkoop of the Netherlands was not performed.
The quarterfinal tie between the 2019 champion Spain and 2021 runner-up Croatia is Wednesday.
The quarterfinals wrap up Thursday when the U.S. meets Italy, and Canada performs Germany. The semifinals are Friday and Saturday, and the title might be determined Sunday.
