Before an impressive performance from Alex de Minaur and some Lleyton Hewitt magic in creating a new doubles pairing led the Australians to their first appearance in the Davis Cup final in 19 years, Australia was on multiple occasions on the verge of losing to Croatia.On an exhilarating day in Spain, the Australians were forced to keep coming back from the brink until the Olympic doubles champions were defeated by Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell’s team, which sparked jubilant scenes in the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena.When Hewitt chose to play Thanasi Kokkinakis in the opening match instead of Thompson, the quarterfinal champion against the Dutch, earlier in the day, Australia got off to the worst possible start.However, the 26-year-old struggled against Borna Coric in the singles rubber, losing in straight sets to the world No. 26.This increased the pressure on de Minour to win the tournament and keep his country alive, which he did by defeating Marin Cilic, the former US Open champion.De Minour has now won 10 of his past 11 singles rubber matches, defeating the big Croatian 6-2, 6-2.It came down to the doubles match to determine who would advance to the final with scores equal to one.However, Hewitt threw a wrench in the works when Matt Ebden was not paired with Purcell as is customary.In the past, it was thought that the two Wimbledon champions were crucial to the nation’s chances.
However, the captain was forced to “go back to the drawing board and work out a plan that could get the win” due to what turned out to be an injury to Ebden.Hewitt mixed to track down the right answer for attempt and beat one of the extraordinary present day associations in copies in Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic.However, when their opponents jumped out to a one-set advantage, the situation looked bleak.
However, when the new Australian duo broke Mektic’s serve in the second set, they refused to give up and turned the match around.Thompson ending up a definitive substitute while playing close by his long-lasting preparation accomplice, as they took care of business in the third to win 6-7, 7-5, 6-4.”Mate!”: “There’s nothing like it!”Purcell stated later.
“There’s nothing like it, honest.The best experience I’ve ever had!”When Australia plays either Canada or Italy in Sunday’s Davis Cup final, they will be aiming to win their 29th Davis Cup.Hewitt stated, “It’s been a long time – we’re a very proud Davis Cup nation, and I’m just thrilled for these boys.”
