In a heart-stopping opening to their Davis Cup Finals campaign, Australia stared down defeat before pulling off a spectacular comeback to snatch victory from the jaws of Belgium in Manchester.
The tie was hanging by a thread after a stunning upset in the first rubber. World number 43 Alex de Minaur, Australia's talisman, was sensationally dismantled in straight sets by Belgium's 21-year-old debutant, Raphael Collignon. The 6-3, 6-4 scoreline sent shockwaves through the arena and left the Aussies on the brink.
With immense pressure on his shoulders, Jordan Thompson stepped onto the court to keep Australian hopes alive. In a must-win match against Belgian number one Zizou Bergs, Thompson delivered a masterclass in resilience. He battled fiercely to claim the first set in a tiebreak before overpowering Bergs to win 7-6(5), 6-3, levelling the tie and setting the stage for a dramatic decider.
The momentum had decisively shifted. De Minaur, shaking off his earlier shock defeat, returned alongside Thompson for the doubles clash against Bergs and Collignon. The Australian duo, combining experience and firepower, proved too strong. They dominated the crucial match, sealing a 6-3, 6-4 victory to complete a remarkable turnaround and secure a vital 2-1 win for Australia.
Key Takeaways from Day One
- Collignon's Dream Debut: The Belgian rookie announced himself on the world stage with a breathtaking win over a top-50 opponent.
- Thompson's Grit: Under immense pressure, the veteran's straight-sets win was the pivotal moment that saved Australia's day.
- Doubles Decider Dominance: The experienced Australian pair showed their class when it mattered most, clinching the tie with authority.
This victory places Australia in a strong position as they navigate the group stages, proving that even without some star players, their fighting spirit remains undimmed. For Belgium, the narrow defeat, built on a phenomenal debut, promises an exciting future.
