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U.S. edged by Australia at 2024 Davis Cup Finals

November 21, 2024

An experienced Australian team narrowly defeated the United States in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup Finals Thursday in Malaga, Spain, as the Aussies scored a decisive doubles victory to clinch the 2-1 win and advance to the semifinals.

 

In a dramatic opening singles match, debutant Ben Shelton saved six match points in a 6-1, 4-6, 7-6(14) defeat to Thanasi Kokkinakis. Taylor Fritz gave the U.S. hope with a 6-3, 6-4 win against Alex de Minaur before the American doubles team of Shelton and Tommy Paul was turned back, 6-4, 6-4, by Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson.

 

"We knew we were coming up against a tough team. Australia played phenomenal," said captain Bob Bryan. "Hats off to them on what they brought out there. I'm proud of our guys for really leaving everything they had on the court. It was just a hard-fought tie all the way around, six hours of great tennis."

While Shelton saved six match points in the thrilling opening match, Kokkinakis fought off four to put Australia on the board first. The 30-point tiebreak, won 16-14 by Kokkinakis, is tied for the sixth-longest in Davis Cup history.

 

"Heartbreaking, for sure," Shelton said of the overall tie. "It was really cool to be out there with the support of the guys and the team on the sidelines. This is my favorite type of format in tennis. I love team events."

 

Having excelled in college tennis as an NCAA team and singles champion for the Florida Gators, and in Laver Cup as a champ with Team World, Shelton was grateful for the opportunity to join up with his countrymen in Malaga.

 

"I'm just thankful for the opportunity to be here," he said. "I'm thankful that Bob chose me on the team, put me out there on the court, and gave me a chance to play for my country."

Fritz, fresh off his run to the championship match of last week’s ATP Finals, drew the U.S. level with an efficient 6-3, 6-4 win over De Minaur—repeating the result of their matchup last week at the ATP Tour's season finale in Turin, Italy. Thursday's victory was Fritz's 200th hard-court win of his career and his 30th Top 10 win.

 

"I played well. I think the court kind of skidding through a little bit more than Turin, it helped me a bit. He wasn't just able to take control of the rallies maybe as much as he could in Turin," Fritz said.

 

"It's a huge win... I'm glad I was able to play a good match, get it done, beat a really tough opponent, and give us a chance for the doubles."

 

Read more: Fritz rises to world No. 4 behind ATP Finals run

 

The Australian pair of Ebden and Thompson sent their nation to the semifinals with a tension-filled, two-set win against Americans Shelton and Paul, who were a change from the original doubles nomination of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek.

 

"The doubles, we have great options on this team," Bryan said of his decision. "We have an experienced doubles team in Rajeev and Austin, and we've got a lot of firepower from the singles lineup.

 

"It was a matchup decision in this case, and I wouldn't change a thing. We were hoping to catch the Aussies a little bit by surprise, but those guys rose to the occasion and served a high percentage, took care of their shots and stepped up."

 

Looking back at the experience as a whole, Bryan said the Americans can leave with their heads held high after leaving it all on the court.

 

"I'm proud of the way we competed," he said. "We could have won it this year with this team. This team has the talent and the ability. It came within an inch of getting another chance in the semis."

 

The U.S. Davis Cup team awaits its draw for the 2025 Qualifying round, held the week of Jan. 27, 2025. The Qualifying round will feature a traditional home-and-away tie with the winner advancing to a new home-and-away round in September.

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