Australia defeat USA to reach Davis Cup semis

Australia defeated record 28-time Davis Cup winners the United States in a decisive doubles rubber on Thursday to reach the semifinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory. World No 4 Taylor Fritz had pulled the US level in the tie by beating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 in the second singles rubber before Matthew Ebden and […]

Australia defeated record 28-time Davis Cup winners the United States in a decisive doubles rubber on Thursday to reach the semifinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

World No 4 Taylor Fritz had pulled the US level in the tie by beating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 in the second singles rubber before Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson scored a 6-4, 6-4 win over Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul.

In the opening clash Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis edged Shelton 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (16/14) with a gripping tie-break triumph.

The match-up was the most played in Davis Cup history with this their 48th meeting, with the first back in 1905.