Gutsy Australia see off Czechs to make Davis Cup semi-finals
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Matthew Ebden (right) and Max Purcell of Australia celebrating after beating Czech Republic at the Davis Cup.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
MALAGA – Australia’s fighting spirit paid off in the end as they powered into the Davis Cup semi-finals with a battling 2-1 win over three-time champions the Czech Republic on Nov 22 that set up a showdown with surprise package Finland.
The doubles pair of Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell secured victory with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Jiri Lehecka and Adam Pavlasek in the decider, after Alex de Minaur edged past Lehecka 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-5 to level the tie at 1-1.
“I’ve never seen anything like it live,” Ebden said of their comeback victory.
“I’ve seen it on TV back in the day, comebacks where your backs are against the wall. But what Alex did to give us the chance to come out here and fight was incredible.
“I was lost for words. We were inside thinking we’re one game away from being out of here and... winning and going to the semi-finals, we couldn’t be more proud.
“I think that really is the sign of our team spirit and our fighting culture. Can’t wait for the next one.”
The Czechs, who arrived at the Finals with a 9-0 win-loss record during September’s group stage, were seeking a first victory over Australia since 1975 and Tomas Machac beat Jordan Thompson 6-4, 7-5 to give them a 1-0 lead.
Yet, it was not to be their day as Australia, who lost to Canada in the 2022 final, remained on course for a 29th crown in the premier men’s team competition to inch closer to the United States, who are top of the pile with 32 titles.
Up next for Lleyton Hewitt’s side in the semi-final on Nov 24 are outsiders Finland, who defied the odds to end Canada’s reign as champions a day earlier.
Australia were without Thanasi Kokkinakis, who was forced to withdraw from the Finals with an ankle injury.
Even after going 1-0 down in the tie, an inspired de Minaur kept chipping away and raised his level towards the end of his match to prevail.
“It would have been quite easy for me to roll over under the circumstances, but that’s just not the type of player I am,” he said.
Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac in action during his quarter-final match against Australia’s Jordan Thompson.
“I’m always going to fight until the end... I got a little sniff. I was able to roll with it. I think my reputation’s quite strong when it comes to these types of situations. It precedes me. Maybe I won that match because of that today.”
The Australian also did not forget to thank the fans.
“It’s great to have such amazing support. This is an Australian Davis Cup team. We fight until the end and we’re never dead,” he added. REUTERS, AFP
