Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt is “tremendous proud” after the workforce’s 2024 marketing campaign ends within the semifinals towards Italy.
Malaga, Spain, 24 November 2024 | Rhys De Deugd
Australia has fallen agonisingly in need of its first Davis Cup title since 2003, shedding within the semifinals to Italy.
The Australian workforce reached the semifinal stage for the third consecutive yr however in a rematch of final yr’s closing, have been unfavourable in each singles rubbers towards the defending champions.
Whereas understandably disillusioned, Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt is filled with satisfaction for his workforce’s 2024 journey.
“Yeah, it’s bloody powerful for all of the boys. They put in quite a lot of effort to provide themselves an opportunity to be right here and are available so shut once more,” Hewitt stated.
“However yeah, (I’m) tremendous happy with the fellows and the trouble once more that they introduced and put in for the entire workforce.”
The tie started with a neck-and-neck battle between Thanasi Kokkinakis and Wimbledon 2021 finalist Matteo Berrettini.
Two dominant servers went toe-to-toe all over to a tiebreak within the opening set, with Kokkinakis dealing with the strain to avoid wasting three set factors and declare the opener.
However the stylish serving and highly effective forehand from the Italian narrowly edged him throughout the road 6-7(6) 6-3 7-5.
“He served unbelievable. 89 per cent (on first serve) within the third set. (He) didn’t give me a lot of an opportunity to look in,” Kokkinakis stated.
“Yeah, I’m flat. You at all times really feel such as you’ve let the workforce down just a little bit, however on the similar time, I gave it my all.”
Pleased with this workforce 💚💛
Three-consecutive @DavisCup semifinals. Simply not our day at the moment.
Bravo, Italy 👏 pic.twitter.com/3u2WTGVtPI
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 23, 2024
Alex de Minaur then had the formidable activity of enjoying world No.1 Jannik Sinner recent off successful the ATP Finals in Turin. Other than losses to Carlos Alcaraz, the Italian has misplaced only one match on laborious court docket this yr, when he was sick in Montreal.
De Minaur confirmed moments of brilliance together with his signature velocity across the court docket and selection on his groundstrokes, permitting him to interrupt the Sinner serve halfway by way of the opening set.
However the crowd, stuffed vastly with Italian followers, spurred on their No.1 to the 6-3 6-4 victory that ended Australia’s Davis Cup marketing campaign.
“His ball velocity, his consistency looks like there’s no actual letdown of focus all through the entire match,” De Minaur stated.
“So, if you wish to exit and beat him, you’ve received to exit and play a few of your finest tennis. Particularly in these massive factors, you’ll want to step up.”
Australia will subsequent compete in a home-and-away within the week commencing 27 January for an opportunity to progress to the next spherical in September.
Discover your approach to play: Go to play.tennis.com.au to hit the court docket and have some enjoyable!
