In a nail-biting quarter-final, Australia edged out the United States in a doubles decider, securing a spot in the Davis Cup semi-finals. The Aussies will face either reigning champions Italy or Argentina in the next round.
Thanasi Kokkinakis kicked off the tie with a dramatic 6-1 4-6 7-6 (16-14) win over Ben Shelton, saving four match points in a 30-point third-set tie-break. The victory took two hours and 17 minutes to complete.
World number four Taylor Fritz kept the USA in contention with a clinical 6-3 6-4 win against Alex de Minaur. Fritz’s victory forced a deciding doubles match.
Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson proved too strong for Shelton and Tommy Paul, securing a straight-set win (6-4 6-4) and sending Australia into the semi-finals.
This marks Australia’s third successive Davis Cup semi-final appearance. Captain Lleyton Hewitt, a two-time Grand Slam singles champion, praised his team’s collective effort.
“We’ve got a rich history in this competition,” Hewitt said. “These boys know it’s a great honour every time you get the chance to wear the green and gold out here.”
