Jan-Lennard Struff and Tim Puetz outlasted Matthew Ebden and John Peers, 6-4 6-7(1) 6-2 6-7(4) 6-4, to give Germany a crucial 2-1 lead over Australia.
The German pair only dropped two points on their second serve as they edged out their Australian opponents in 3 hours and 17 minutes. The Australians failed to take their opportunities as they only managed to convert one break point in eight opportunities.
This was the key difference as Struff and Puetz managed to convert five break points out of their 13 opportunities. Despite having the world number five on their team, the Australians couldn’t break down their German opponents as they lost in a five set epic in Brisbane.
The win means Germany lead 2-1 heading into the final day of singles, with Lleyton Hewitt’s men having to win both singles rubbers to make the Quarter-Finals. Alexander Zverev can seal the tie with a win over Nick Kyrgios in a mouth-watering clash. If Kyrgios was to win, then it would go down to Alex De Minaur and Jan-Lennard Struff to see who makes the Quarter-Finals.
Kazakhstan Advance
However we already have a Quarter-Finalist in the Davis Cup and surprisingly it’s Kazakhstan, who are the first team to make the last eight. A five set win from Khabibulin and Nedovyesov over Huesler and Maragaroli secured their place in the Quarter-Finals.
Switzerland, who are without both Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka, managed to come back from 2 sets to love down to level the doubles tie and give themselves a chance. However the Kazakh’s managed to win the final set 6-3 to seal the deal in Astana.
It now means Switzerland will contest the World Group Play-Offs in September to try and stay in the World Group. While Kazakhstan move into the Quarter-Finals, where they will face Croatia or Canada in April.
