BRISBANE, April 9, 2017
Nick Kyrgios produced another stellar performance to lead Australia to a 3-2 victory over the United States in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group quarterfinal at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane.
Kyrgios overpowered Sam Querrey, who replaced US-American No.1 Jack Sock, in Sunday’s fourth rubber to secure Australia’s place in the semi-finals for the second time in three years.
Cheered on by a strong crowd of 5,823 at Queensland Tennis Centre, Kyrgios came back from an early break to take the first set 7-6(4), before winning the next two 6-3, 6-4 to set up a semi-final clash in September with either Italy or Belgium.
“I’ve been looking forward to this tie for a long time now,” Kyrgios said and added: “I think that we can win the competition this year! Lleyton Hewitt has helped me a lot. It’s easy to play for him. I can’t say enough.”
Australia’s captain and the country’s greatest-ever Davis Cupper told: “There is no greater honour than wearing the green and gold. I couldn’t be prouder of my boys. They’ve put so much hard work and effort into this campaign. They did absolutely everything we asked of them. The coaching staff too, so many sacrifices made. That’s what representing Australia is all about.”
In the fifth and final rubber, John Isner defeated Sam Groth, who replaced Jordan Thompson, 7-6, 6-3 to restore some USAmerican pride.
Australia will learn their semi-final opponents later the day, with Belgium currently leading Italy 2-1 in Charleroi. The last time Australia reached the last four of the Davis Cup was in 2015, when they lost 3-2 to Great Britain in Glasgow.
The total attendance for the Davis Cup quarterfinal in Brisbane was 16,403.
Results
Australia defeats USA 3-2
R1: Jordan Thompson (AUS) d Jack Sock (USA) 6-3 3-6 7-6(4) 6-4
R2: Nick Kyrgios (AUS) d John Isner (USA) 7-5 7-6(5) 7-6(5)
R3: Jack Sock / Steve Johnson (USA) d Sam Groth / John Peers (AUS) 3-6 6-3 6-2 2-6 6-3
R4: Nick Kyrgios (AUS) d Sam Querrey (USA) 7-6(4) 6-3 6-4
R5: John Isner (USA) d Sam Groth (AUS) 7-6(5) 6-3
