Australia is in the final of the Davis Cup in Malaga after a thriller victory over Croatia.
The decisive point for the 24-times champion of the nations tournament was secured on Friday evening by the Max Purcell/Jordan Thompson doubles set up at short notice.
Previously, Borna Coric had scored for the Croatians and Alex de Minaur for Australia, which has to do without Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios.
Cincinnati winner Coric put Croatia ahead with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Thanasi Kokkinakis, while de Minaur equalized against former US Open champion Marin Cilic (6-2, 6-2). Purcell/Thompson made the decision with a 6:7 (3:7), 7:5, 6:4 against the world-class duo Nikola Mektic/Mate Pavic.
Australia’s team boss Lleyton Hewitt had prevented a repeat of the 2022 Wimbledon final in advance and instead put Purcell’s regular doubles partner Matthew Ebden, Jordan Thompson aside. With success. This gives Australia its first Davis Cup title since 2003.
In the final on Sunday (from 1 p.m.) Australia meets either the Italians, who played without their top players, or Canada, who conquered Germany. The second semi-final will take place on Saturday (from 1 p.m.).