Australia has stormed into the Davis Cup semifinals for the third consecutive year after a gripping 2-1 victory over the United States in Málaga, Spain. The heroics of Thanasi Kokkinakis, followed by a decisive doubles win from Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson, sealed the deal for the 28-time champions as they continue their quest to lift the coveted trophy for the first time since 2003.
The quarterfinal tie began with a rollercoaster of a match. Kokkinakis overcame 21 aces, saved four match points, and converted his seventh to edge past Ben Shelton 6-1, 4-6, 7-6(14). “I don’t know if I’ve ever been this pumped,” said Kokkinakis, who celebrated with fiery chest-thumping and racket-spiking. His resilience proved to be a tactical masterstroke by captain Lleyton Hewitt, who trusted Kokkinakis for this crucial rubber.
The U.S. quickly struck back when Taylor Fritz defeated Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4, setting the stage for a deciding doubles clash. Despite a surprise lineup change by the Americans, swapping Tommy Paul and Shelton for their seasoned Olympic silver medalists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram, the Australian duo of Ebden and Thompson rose to the occasion.
Breaking Shelton’s serve late in the second set, Ebden’s blistering smash and Thompson’s flawless service game clinched a 6-4, 6-4 win. “I wear my heart on my sleeve and bleed green and gold,” Thompson said, summing up the passion that drove the pair.
Australia will now face defending champions Italy, led by World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, in Saturday’s semifinal. With the team energized and a rich Davis Cup legacy behind them, Hewitt emphasized the pride in wearing green and gold: “These boys know the history and honor it every time they step on court.”
As the Australians prepare for the Italian challenge, they inch closer to ending a 21-year wait for Davis Cup glory, fueled by their unwavering determination and team spirit.
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