BRUSSELS, September 18, 2017
Belgium has defeated Australia 3-2 on day three of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinals.
Belgium’s world No.12 David Goffin defeated Nick Kyrgios in four sets 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to level the tie and secure his first win over the Australian in four meetings.
Captain Lleyton Hewitt called upon Jordan Thompson to take on Steve Darcis in the live fifth rubber.
The Davis Cup veteran was too strong for the Sydneysider defeating the 22-year-old 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to take the win and the tie.
“It’s a big week for me but it was an unbelievable win for David, I’ve never seen him play that good,” said Darcis, who has won four out of his five Davis Cup singles in the run to the final this year.
Precision from @stevedarcishark to defeat Thompson 64 75 62 and send Belgium back into the #DavisCup Final! pic.twitter.com/ycQp94t4k1
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) 17. September 2017
Hewitt said after the final rubber: “I am extremely proud of all the boys, all the team members.
“Everyone gave 100 per cent. We left it all out there but that doesn’t make it hurt any less.”
Belgium will now meet France away in the 2017 Davis Cup Final for a chance to win their first title in late November.
Results
Belgium d Australia 3-2
R1: David Goffin (BEL) d John Millman (AUS) 6-7(4) 6-4 6-3 7-5
R2: Nick Kyrgios (AUS) d Steve Darcis (BEL) 6-3 3-6 6-7(5) 6-1 6-2
R3: Jordan Thompson / John Peers (AUS) d Arthur De Greef / Ruben Bemelmans (BEL) 6-3 6-4 6-0
R4: David Goffin (BEL) d Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 6-7(4) 6-4 6-4 6-4
R5: Steve Darcis (BEL) d Jordan Thompson (AUS) 6-4 7-5 6-2