Thanasi Kokkinakis edged Ben Shelton 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (16/14) to place Australia 1-0 up on report 32-time Davis Cup winners america within the quarter-finals on Thursday. Australia, who’ve triumphed 28 occasions, second solely to the USA, final received the event in 2003 however completed as runners-up within the final two editions. Kokkinakis emerged triumphant after a gripping tie-break, saving 4 match factors and spurning six of his personal earlier than finally prevailing when Shelton went lengthy.
“I do not know if I have been that pumped up in my life, I needed that one dangerous, I needed to assist my group,” mentioned the Australian.
“(The tie-break) was robust, we had been each serving nicely, I believe I solely bought tight on one shot… he was serving extremely, I am unable to even communicate, I am glad.
“It is a huge win for me… Lleyton (Hewitt, Australia’s captain) confirmed religion in me, anybody may have performed however I simply needed to present it my all.”
Shelton, on his Davis Cup debut and chosen forward of Tommy Paul by captain Bob Bryan, confirmed nerves within the first set and Kokkinakis took full benefit.
After Shelton held within the first sport, the Australian received the subsequent six straight to quickly mop up the primary set.
The American, ranked twenty first, 56 locations above his opponent, hit again strongly within the second as he got here out with way more panache and instantly secured a break.
Shelton, 22, saved 4 break factors for a maintain to make it 4-2, utilising his large serve, and served it out, sealing the set with an ace to drive a 3rd.
Neither was capable of drive their means forward and a nerve-wracking and prolonged tie-break ensued with Kokkinakis finally snatching victory.
Within the second rubber Australia’s Alex de Minaur faces world quantity 4 Taylor Fritz, who completed as runner-up within the ATP Finals final week and reached his first Grand Slam ultimate on the US Open in September.
Later Thursday Jannik Sinner’s Italy, the defending champions, face Argentina within the final quarter-final conflict, with the winner dealing with Australia or the US.
The Netherlands, who defeated Rafael Nadal’s Spain on Tuesday, battle Germany within the first semi-final on Friday.
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