The Australian Davis Cup chase is back on track after Alex de Minaur “delivered” in a come-from-behind victory in the must-win second pool match against France in Manchester.
Australia’s world No.12 steamrolled France’s Ugo Humbert in straight sets after Max Purcell, elevated to the singles after Thanasi Kokkinakis’ opening day defeat, lost his clash with Adrian Mannarino.
Purcell then went again in the doubles, linking up with Matthew Ebden to take down Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Nicolas Mahut in straight sets to clinch the tie for Australia.
A loss would have ended any chance of progression to the Davis Cup finals in Spain in November, and after also tasting defeat in the first round loss to the UK, de Minaur said he didn’t want to let his country down again.
“A bit of redemption for sure. I haven‘t had too many days like yesterday,” he said.
“I’ve normally delivered when I’ve put on the green and gold, so I’m happy I was able to reset from yesterday and deliver a must-win match.
“I didn’t do anything extraordinary; the only thing I did was keep us alive.”
The top two finishers in each pool progress to the finals and Australia will have to beat Switzerland in its final round-robin tie on Saturday.
Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt praised his team’s capacity to withstand the pressure of a must-win clash.
“Our backs were against the wall, but we dug deep and we’re hanging in there,” Hewitt said.
“Alex, bloody impressive again today.
“To come from one down, he’s done it plenty of times, but that match was really high quality, and then the boys played a great doubles.”