On the verge of elimination, Australia, the outgoing finalist, equalized at 1-1 against the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup quarter-final on Wednesday evening in Malaga.
Largely dominated by Jiri Lehecka (31st in the world) and two points from a defeat in two sets at 6-4, 5-3, Alex de Minaur (12th in the world) took advantage of his opponent’s excitement to turn the match around and winning 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5.
Earlier, Tomas Machac (78th in the world) had offered the first point to the Czechs by beating Jordan Thompson (56th) 6-4, 7-5 after a standoff lasting almost two hours. Qualification for the semi-finals will therefore be decided during the doubles. Opposed to the pair Jakub Mensik-Adam Pavlasek, Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell will try to keep Australia in this 2023 edition. The winner of this meeting will face the surprising Finland, who defeated Canada on Tuesday, holders of the trophy, in the semi-finals.
Australia close to elimination
Australia was very close to the exit during this second singles against the Czech Republic, victorious in the Davis Cup in 2012 and 2013. In the first set, Lehecka was initially the most impressive, quickly making the station wagon. However, after having to put aside several break points, the young 22-year-old Czech won the first set 6-4. At the start of the second set, he quickly made the break as well. Leading 4-3, he then found himself in difficulty on his throw-in and had to put aside three break points. Thanks to three huge serves, he repelled the threat to lead 5-3.
But when serving for the victory at 5-4, Lehecka lost the thread of the match, leaving De Minaur to line up two shutouts to break the break and take the lead (6-5). The two players finally had to play a decisive game during which De Minaur was much more solid (7/2) to snatch a third set. The Australian continued his momentum by making the break at the start of this last round. He seemed to have gained the upper hand and was heading towards victory, but Lehecka found his tennis to break. While the two players were neck and neck (5-5), De Minaur, at the cost of heroic defense, offered himself two break points. The second one was good. The Australian went for victory at the net, thanks to a final volley (7-5).
