Categories: ATPDavis CupTop Story

Aussies reach first Davis Cup final since 2003

Alex de Minaur inspired a semi-final comeback victory against 2021 finalists Croatia at the Davis Cup in Malaga on Friday, ending a 19-year wait for a final spot.

De Minaur dominated his singles match against Marin Cilic, breaking serve four times for a 6-2, 6-2 win that levelled the tie at 1-1 after Borna Coric had earlier beaten Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson then delivered the victory in the doubles with a stunning display against Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic.

“It’s been a long time,” Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt after his team’s win.

“Obviously we are a very proud Davis Cup nation. I’m just thrilled for these boys, they deserve to go out there and get the opportunity to play in the final of a Davis Cup, and now it’s going to happen on Sunday.”

Hewitt played in his country’s last Davis Cup final appearance, a 2003 victory against Spain in Melbourne.

Australia will face on Italy or Canada in Sunday’s final as it bids to lift the Davis Cup for the 29th time.

Peter Rowe

Recent Posts

Resilient Rybakina escapes into Madrid semis

Elena Rybakina dodged a bullet on Wednesday, saving two match points to stay in the…

13 hours ago

Sinner pulls from Madrid injured

The Madrid Masters lost a third major drawcard in 24 hours on Wednesday, with world…

13 hours ago

Rublev rallies to send Alcaraz to defeat

Andrey Rublev called a halt to the winning run of Carlos Alcaraz at the Madrid…

13 hours ago

Sinner feels his way through Madrid as injury threatens

Top seed Jannik Sinner is taking his progress at the Madrid Masters step by step…

22 hours ago

Nadal exits Madrid in an emotional last match

Rafael Nadal played his final match at the Madrid Masters on Tuesday with the king…

1 day ago

Hip problem under control as Sinner reaches quarter-finals

Jannik Sinner's existing hip pain problem proved to be a minor distraction as the top…

2 days ago