TA Press Release, March 5, 2022

Australia is through to the 2022 Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals for a third straight year after recording a 3-2 victory over Hungary at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.

Thanasi Kokkinakis claimed a 6-4, 6-4 win in the live fifth rubber against Zsombor Piros to ensure Australia advanced to the group stage.

It was the 25-year-old’s first match win in the world team event since September 2015, when he last represented Australia in the World Group semifinals against Great Britain.

Thanasi timing ⏰@TKokkinakis secures the decisive match and a Finals spot for the green and gold #DavisCup #byRakuten | @TennisAustralia pic.twitter.com/puPcZm7UPP

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) March 5, 2022

“It’s been seven years since I played Davis Cup and this is incredible, playing in the atmosphere,” Kokkinakis said.

Today’s high-pressure performance for the No.2 Australian followed Alex de Minaur’s victory over Marton Fucsovics, 7-6(4), 6-4.

Earlier, John Peers and Luke Saville were defeated by Fabian Marozsan and Mate Valkulsz in the doubles rubber, creating a 2-1 lead for Hungary.

An eventual 3-2 win marked the first time Australia recovered from a 1-2 deficit in Davis Cup since July 2015.

Sixteen nations will compete in four groups of four teams in the next round from 14 to 18 September. The winner and runner-up in each group will advance to the knockout stage from 23 to 27 November.

Results

Australia d Hungary 3-2

R1: Alex de Minaur (NSW) d Zsombor Piros (HUN) 7-5 6-2

R2: Marton Fucsovics (HUN) d Thanasi Kokkinakis (SA) 7-6(4) 1-6 6-3

R3: Fabian Marozsan (HUN) / Mate Valkusz (HUN) d John Peers (Vic) / Luke Saville (SA) 6-4 6-4

R4: Alex de Minaur (NSW) d Marton Fucsovics (HUN) 7-6(4) 6-4

R5: Thanasi Kokkinakis (SA) d Zsombor Piros (HUN) 6-4 6-4