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Alex de Minaur Australia 2021
Tennis News, Tennis Players

Australia reach the final of the Davis Cup with comeback win


Australia are through to their first Davis Cup final in nineteen years after a stunning comeback against 2021 finalists Croatia in Malaga.

Alex De Minaur, defeated Marin Cilic 6-2 6-2 to bring the tie level after Borna Coric had defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis in the opening match.

In the crucial doubles decider, Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson came from a set down to defeat Croatian duo Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic 6-7 7-5 6-4.

Purcell and Thompson served superbly, with both holding serve for the entirety of the match.

‘’There’s nothing like it, honestly there’s nothing like it,’’ said Purcell in his post-match interview.

‘’That’s the best thing I’ve ever experienced ever. Anything for the green and gold, honestly.’’

Matthew Ebden, who partnered Purcell to this year’s Wimbledon doubles title, was scheduled to feature in the deciding rubber before Thompson’s inclusion.

Aussie captain Lleyton Hewitt could not hide his delight at reaching the final of a tournament which has brought such success for the country going back to the 1950s and 1960s.

Hewitt said: ‘’It’s been a long time. Obviously, we’re 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, a former Wimbledon and US Open champion and world number one, had played a pivotal role in the side’s last success, a victory over Spain on home soil in 2003.

Australia will now take on either Italy or Canada in Sunday’s final as they bid to win the Davis Cup for a 29th time.

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