Australia has completed second in Group B after a decent loss to Spain on Sunday, and on Thursday will study its quarterfinal opponent at November’s Davis Cup Finals.
Valencia, Spain, 16 September 2024 | tennis.com.au/AAP
Australia will face both Italy or the USA when the Davis Cup Finals draw is set on Thursday.
Australia had already certified for the “Remaining 8” knockout stage of the competitors by ending within the prime two of its group stage in Valencia after wins over France and Czech Republic.
Sunday’s tie towards Spain – additionally undefeated in its first two ties – would decide the winner of the group, though each had already ensured their place within the Remaining 8 in Malaga in November.
> READ MORE: Australia qualifies for Davis Cup Finals
“We have been ecstatic a few nights in the past after we received advised Spain had gained and we have been assured to undergo,” Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt stated.
“We got here right here with one purpose this week and that was to qualify for the finals, and we have been in a position to try this. So actually happy with the boys and the trouble they’ve put in. They’ve completed themselves proud they usually’ve completed the remainder of the workforce proud, however they’ve [also] completed their nation proud.
“We’ll be prepared for November.”
There was, in concept, solely satisfaction to play for on this Group B conflict between Australia and Spain.
But it actually didn’t really feel that means as the house aspect, even with out their rested celebrity Carlos Alcaraz and cheered on by a wildly enthusiastic full-house within the Pabellon Fuente de San Luis, defied all the chances to battle to a win that ensured they topped the group.
Jordan Thompson had served for the match within the opening rubber, solely to go down 2-6 6-2 7-6(3) to Pablo Carreno Busta, in what the Sydneysider described as an “extremely irritating” reverse.
Alexei Popyrin then levelled the tie with a reasonably routine, crowd-silencing 6-4 6-4 victory over Pedro Martinez.
Australia degree the tie! ⚖️
A medical efficiency from Alexei Popyrin, he takes it in straight units and forces the tie to a decider 🤩#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/9FSFS6QJqV
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 15, 2024
“The primary match that I performed I used to be a bit amped up on nerves and a bit emotional,” Popyrin advised daviscup.com, referring to his loss earlier within the week to France’s Ugo Humbert.
“I attempted to calm it down and really feel the way in which I usually really feel on courtroom. I feel in the direction of the top I balanced it out and behaved the way in which I usually do on courtroom.”
Popyrin’s victory arrange a reside doubles decider, with the Aussie pair of Matt Ebden and Max Purcell, who boast an excellent Davis Cup document, taking over dwelling duo of Marcel Granollers and Martinez.
With Martinez having to return again on courtroom so quickly after his defeat to Popyrin, issues regarded bleak for the Spaniards as they misplaced the opening set to Ebden and Purcell, the 2022 Wimbledon males’s doubles champions.
However impressed to new ranges by the din on the indoor hardcourt venue, 38-year-old Granollers, the world’s No.1, led the pair to a outstanding 5-7 6-4 6-4 win.
2024 Davis Cup Finals – group stage
SPAIN d AUSTRALIA d 2-1
Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) d Jordan Thompson (AUS) 2-6 6-2 7-6(3)
Alexei Popyrin (AUS) d Pedro Martinez (ESP) 6-4 6-4
Marcel Granollers/Pedro Martinez (ESP) d Matt Ebden/Max Purcell (AUS) 5-7 6-4 6-4
Discover your method to play: Go to play.tennis.com.au to get out on courtroom and have some enjoyable!
