2024-11-21 16:32:00
Published on November 21, 2024 at 5:32 p.m. – updated on November 21, 2024 at 6:35 p.m.
Forced to play a decisive doubles after Taylor Fritz tied the two teams, Australia finally got the better of the United States thanks to Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson. Finalists of the last two editions, the Australians find themselves once again in the last four.
Australia is a regular. Unhappy finalists of the last two editions of the Davis Cup – in 2022 against Canada and last year against Italy – the Australians once again moved closer to a new final, this Thursday after their 2-1 victory against in the United States after the decisive doubles. The loser of the last two finals, in search of a new coronation in the competition since 2003 (it would be Australia’s 29th), had the best start in this meeting following a victory for Thanasi Kokkinakis at the expense of Ben Shelton in a completely crazy and interminable match (2h17) which saw the former win… 16 points to 14 in a decisive game (the longest in five years in Davis Cup) during which the 77th in the ranking was forced to discard four match points to prevent the Americans from taking the lead before the second singles, which pitted Alex De Minaur against Taylor Fritz.
Fritz had reset the counters
A tone above Thursday in this second match of the world number 9, the number 4 in the ranking and recent finalist of the Masters but also of the US Open, each time with defeats against the world number 1 Jannik Sinner, did not never trembled and easily defeated (6-3, 6-4) his opponent, whom he had already beaten (but in three sets this time after losing the first) in Turin last week during the Masters Tournament . Fritz thus reset the counters to zero (and the two teams tied), hoping that Tommy Paul and Shelton, called to play this decisive double, would follow suit and send the United States to the semi-finals during this 48th clash between the two countries in the event. It didn’t happen. In the same way that Fritz had dominated De Minaur a little earlier, Matthew Ebden, the former number 1 in the specialty, and Jordan Thompson easily took the upper hand (6-4, 6-4) over the opposing tandem. In the semi-final, Australia could find Italy and Sinner in a repeat of the last final, which saw the Australians lose 2-0.
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What strategies did Australia employ to manage the pressure during the decisive doubles match against the United States in the Davis Cup?
**Interview with Sports Analyst on Australian Davis Cup Victory**
**Interviewer:** Welcome! Today we’re discussing the recent thrilling match between Australia and the United States in the Davis Cup. Joining us is sports analyst, Alex Thompson. Alex, thank you for being here.
**Alex Thompson:** Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer:** The match came down to a decisive doubles after Taylor Fritz squared things up. What were your thoughts on how Australia handled the pressure?
**Alex Thompson:** Australia showed remarkable resilience under pressure. Coming into the doubles with the match tied, they needed to stay focused, and they did just that. Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson performed exceptionally well, demonstrating not just skill but strategic teamwork.
**Interviewer:** Indeed! This victory puts Australia back in the semifinals. After being the runners-up for the last two editions, how significant is this moment for the team?
**Alex Thompson:** It’s hugely significant! Being finalists in 2022 and 2023, they’ve faced their share of disappointment. This victory not only boosts their confidence but also gives them another shot at clinching the title. They haven’t won since 2003, and you can feel the hunger among the players.
**Interviewer:** For sure. Now, considering their upcoming matches, what do you think will be their biggest challenge in reaching the finals?
**Alex Thompson:** The biggest challenge will likely be maintaining their momentum. Every team they face from here on out will be strong, especially with so much on the line. They need to stay mentally sharp and consistent in their performance.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, with so much talent, how important is the mental aspect in team competitions like the Davis Cup?
**Alex Thompson:** It’s crucial. The mental game can often be the deciding factor, especially in high-stakes matches. The pressure can be immense, and how players handle that pressure can influence their performance significantly.
**Interviewer:** Great insights, Alex! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Australia’s path in the Davis Cup.
**Alex Thompson:** My pleasure! Let’s see how they continue to perform.