Spain’s win over France in Valencia has additionally confirmed Australia’s place in November’s Davis Cup Finals. The Aussies and Spanish will conflict on Sunday, the winner topping Group B.
Valencia, Spain, 14 September 2024 | Ian Chadband (AAP)
Australia’s Davis Cup staff has been in a position to have a good time reaching the Davis Cup finals – with out even having to hit a ball on Friday.
Lleyton Hewitt’s males have been thrilled to succeed in November’s eight-team showdown on their day without work, their qualification being assured by Spain’s victory over France of their group B conflict in Valencia.
The Australians booked their place with two victories – 2-1 over France and 3-0 in opposition to the Czech Republic – earlier within the week.
> READ MORE: Australia completes 3-0 sweep in opposition to Czechs
> READ MORE: Australia edges out thrilling victory in opposition to France
And it means there shall be no final-day sweating for captain Hewitt on Sunday when his staff face the Carlos Alcaraz-inspired hosts within the remaining group fixture in entrance of a partisan Spanish crowd.
As an alternative, Australia can head to the finals with their sights on going one higher than within the final two years after they completed as Davis Cup runners-up, overwhelmed by Canada within the remaining in 2022 and Italy final yr.
Australia has gained the title 28 occasions however not since 2003, when Hewitt was enjoying within the staff that beat Spain within the remaining in Melbourne.
Spain has now additionally certified for the week-long finals, to be held on house soil in Malaga in November, after following up its win over the Czechs with one other victory.
| 2024 Davis Cup Finals Group B standings |
|||
| Nation | Ties gained | Ties misplaced | Matches W-L |
| Australia | 2 | 0 | 5-1 |
| Spain | 2 | 0 | 5-1 |
| France | 0 | 2 | 2-4 |
| Czech Republic | 0 | 2 | 0-6 |
The Spanish have been indebted to a usually dogged win by veteran Roberto Bautista Agut, who got here again from the brink of defeat to outlast Arthur Fils 2-6 7-5 6-3 within the opening rubber.
Then Alcaraz, the Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion, was in imperious temper on the indoor arduous courtroom as he wrapped up the eventual 2-1 triumph with a 6-3 6-3 victory over the in-form Ugo Humbert, letting everybody know what it meant to him as he roared with delight afterwards.
Whether or not Alexei Popyrin, the Australian No.1 in Valencia within the absence of Alex de Minaur, will play Alcaraz in a last-day blockbuster stays to be seen, because the world No.3 hinted he won’t characteristic within the Sunday fixture which can resolve who tops the group.
“Each of us have certified. Let’s see – we have now a day without work tomorrow and I’ve to speak with (captain) David (Ferrer) about Sunday and see who’s going to play,” shrugged Alcaraz.
“The principle objective is finished and doubtless one other participant who hasn’t performed but might be going to play on Sunday. It’s David’s choice however we’re going to take pleasure in these few days.”
Going into the final weekend of qualifiers, 4 groups have already now sealed their quarterfinal locations for Malaga – Australia, Spain, USA and Germany.
