Australia see off Czechs to make Davis Cup semi-finals

Agency :
Last year’s runners-up Australia powered into the semi-finals of the Davis Cup with a battling 2-1 win over three-times champions Czech Republic that set up a showdown with this year’s surprise package Finland.

Australia’s doubles pair of Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell secured their team’s progress with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Jiri Lehecka and Adam Pavlasek in the decider after Alex de Minaur edged past Lehecka 4-6, 7-6(2), 7-5 to level the tie at 1-1.

“I’ve never seen anything like it live,” Ebden said of their comeback victory.

“I’ve seen it on TV back in the day, comebacks when your backs are against the wall.

But what Alex did to give us the chance to come out here and fight was incredible.

“I was lost for words. We were inside thinking we’re one game away from being out of here and … winning and going to the semi-finals, we couldn’t be more proud.

“I think that really is the sign of our team spirit and our fighting culture. Can’t wait for the next one.”

The Czechs, who arrived at the Finals with a 9-0 win-loss record from three Group Stage ties in September, were seeking a first victory over Australia since 1975 and Tomas Machac beat Jordan Thompson 6-4, 7-5 to give them a 1-0 lead.

Yet it was not to be their day as Australia, who lost to Canada in the 2022 final, remained on course for a 29th crown in the premier men’s team competition to get closer to the United States who are top of the pile with 32 titles.

Up next for Lleyton Hewitt’s side in Friday’s semi-final are outsiders Finland, who defied the odds to end Canada’s reign as champions a day earlier.

Machac, the Czech number two, backed up an early break with a comfortable service game and withstood a strong fightback from Thompson at 5-4 in the first set of the opening match.