Australia is the first team through to the semifinals of the ATP Cup after claiming a dramatic victory over Great Britain in Sydney.
The duo of Nick Kyrgios and Alex de Minaur was issued with a stern test by the British contingent over the three matches that amounted to eight hours of pulsating action on the court. First, it was Kyrgios who got the home favourites off to a strong start as he eased to a 6-2, 6-2, win over Cameron Norrie. However, British No.1 Dan Evans battled back to level the tie after triumphing over de Minaur in a marathon encounter lasting almost three-and-a-half hours. Ousting the world No.18 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(2), to snap Australia’s run of 10 consecutive wins in the tournament.
With the tie level at 1-1, Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt opted to take a gamble and make a change to the doubles pairing. Asking both Kyrgios and de Minaur to return to the court and face former world No.1 player Jamie Murray and his partner Joe Salisbury.
“Nick was playing extremely well in his singles today, he felt fresh coming out. I feel like Alex is a hell of a doubles player when he plays. He doesn’t play that much.” Said Hewitt.
“We threw in some firepower and it paid off.” He added.
It was a nail-biting conclusion to the tie with both teams being on the verge of victory in the doubles. Splitting the match at one set all, it would be a 34-point final tiebreaker that would separate the two. The British team had four match points to clinch victory, but was unable to convert any of those chances. Including one seemingly straightforward shot from Murray that drifted beyond the baseline. Australia also saw opportunities came and went before snatching the 3-6, 6-3, 18-16, victory after a backhand from Salisbury went long. Prompting Kyrgios and de Minaur to fall to the ground in delight.
“It’s just amazing that we were able to get the win in Sydney, here in my home town.” Said de Minaur.
“This guy over here (Kyrgios), he just blatantly carried my out here (on the court).”
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Kyrgios said the key to the win was trying to revitalise his teammate following his loss to Evans earlier in the day. Joking that he will have some alcohol following what he describes as a ‘stressful’ tiebreak.
“He just gets down on himself really easy and I just try to do as much as I can.” Kyrgios said of de Minaur.
“Especially after that unbelievable singles performance where he just came up short. I just tried to bring in as much energy as I could.’
“That was probably the most stressful tiebreak I’ve ever played in my life. I’m definitely having a bit of red wine tonight.” He added.
Hewitt, who is also his country’s Davis Cup captain, has hailed the latest achievement by his players. Heading into the semi-finals, Australia has won 11 out of 12 matches played so far at the ATP Cup.
“That was incredible tennis. The whole three matches played everybody came out and gave 100 percent. Left it all out on the court.” Said the former world No.1.
“I’m really proud of the boys. The way they were able to turn it around after Alex went down in a tight singles match.’
“It could have gone either way and it went out way today.”
Australia will play either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals.
