ADELAIDE, March 7, 2020
Australia is through to the 2020 Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals in Madrid after recording a 3-1 victory against Brazil in Adelaide.
For the second time in two days, John Millman staged a remarkable comeback, defeating World No.82 Thiago Monteiro in three hours and five minutes to win 6-7(6), 7-6(3), 7-6(3), claiming the tie and guaranteeing the home side’s place in the Finals for a second year.
“To have an experience like this, that’s better than just about any experience I’ve had. The notion that it is tough to travel back to play for your country, that is absolutely ridiculous,” said Millman, quoted by Tennis Australia.
“It was something pretty special this weekend. I enjoyed every second of it. It was so much fun. It was an emotional rollercoaster and we’re so happy to get through. To do it with these boys, it’s been a really special week.”
Brazilians win doubles rubber
Saturday’s first match saw Brazil win the doubles rubber despite a gallant effort from Aussie pairing James Duckworth and John Peers.
World No.48-ranked Marcelo Demoliner combined with debutant Felipe Meligeni Rodrigues Alves to defeat the pair 5-7, 7-5, 7-6(6), forcing the tie into a fourth rubber.
What it’s all about 🇦🇺 👏
Australia has qualified for the @DavisCupFinals with a spirited 3-1 victory against Brazil. #Adelaide, that was one epic #DavisCup encounter! #GoAussies pic.twitter.com/mg5FWFS3Po
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) March 7, 2020
6,890 spectators attended the tie over two days at the Adelaide Memorial Drive.
Australia will join Ecuador, Kazakhstan and nine other qualifiers, the 2019 semifinalists, Canada, Great Britain, Russia and Spain, as well as the two 2020 wildcards, France and Serbia, in Madrid in November.
“That was an epic Davis Cup encounter,” said Australia’s Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt. “There were ebbs and flows in all the matches. It could have gone either way.
“That is what Davis Cup is about and that’s why I love the home and away format. To have the atmosphere and the crowd involvement, it was a lot of fun for us to be out there. For these guys to play in front of their home fans again, they don’t get to do it throughout the year that often. I’m just thrilled for them that they get to enjoy it and be part of it. It is something really special.
“I couldn’t be prouder of these boys. They deserve this win.”
The draw for the Finals will take place at the ITF offices in London next Thursday 12 March at 1600 GMT.
Results
Australia d Brazil 3-1
R1: Jordan Thompson (AUS) d Thiago Monteiro (BRA) 6-4 6-4
R2: John Millman (AUS) d Thiago Seyboth Wild (BRA) 4-6 7-6(0) 6-2
R3: Marcelo Demoliner / Felipe Meligeni Rodrigues Alves (BRA) d James Duckworth / John Peers (AUS) 5-7 7-5 7-6(6)
R4: John Millman (AUS) d Thiago Monteiro (BRA) 6-7(6) 7-6(3) 7-6(3)
R5: Jordan Thompson (AUS) vs Thiago Seyboth Wild (BRA) – Not played
