(Málaga) Finding themselves one game away from elimination, Australia found a way to overthrow their opponent and once again reach the Davis Cup semi-finals.
Australia came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Wednesday and secure a place in the final four for a second year in a row.
Max Purcell and Matthew Ebden defeated Adam Pavlasek and Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 7-5 in the final doubles match, giving Australia its ticket to a duel with Finland on Friday.
Tomas Machac defeated Jordan Thompson 6-4, 7-5 in the first singles match of the day, giving the Czechs the lead. However, Alex de Minaur kept Australia in the game by defeating Lehecka 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5.
“I’ve always prided myself on never giving up and he’s certainly in the same category,” Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt said of De Minaur. He carried the team on his shoulders and we are proud of him. He had to draw on his resources to save us. »
De Minaur, 12th in the world rankings, broke his rival’s serve while trailing 3-5 in the second set, forcing an eventual tiebreaker. He then got the key break of serve at 5-5 in the final set, before closing the books by winning his service game in four points.
“It would have been easy for me to give up my arms, but I’m not that type of person,” insisted De Minaur, who is 24 years old. I have played several matches like this during my career. It’s part of my identity. I will never give up. I will fight until the end. »
Lehecka, 31st in the world, had shortened the end of the season in order to be in top shape for the Davis Cup finals in Malaga.
Finland surprised defending champion Canada in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. Canada defeated Australia in the final last year.
Australia became only the second nation after the United States to reach the milestone of 200 Davis Cup play-off victories.
In the quarter-finals on Thursday, Novak Djokovic’s Serbia will face the United Kingdom, while Italy will cross swords with the Netherlands.
The second semi-final will be presented on Saturday, then the final will be played on Sunday.