A four-hour roller-coaster clash between rising stars Alexander Zverev and Alex de Minaur has set the tone for Germany’s Davis Cup tie against Australia.
A pulsating opening match saw the world No.5 get pushed to his limits by his 18-year-old rival before he prevailed 7-5 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4). Making his Davis Cup debut, de Minaur was able to live up to his nickname as a demon on the court. Racing to a 3-0 lead in the decider and he was one point away from a 4-0 lead. Despite the threat posed by the Australian, Zverev managed to battle back from the brink to win only his second match ever in the competition.
“I hope that will be the deciding point to get the win.” Zverev said after the match. “We need three points. We’ve got one. We need two more to go.”
The thrilling clash between the two players wasn’t one without controversy. During the fourth set, Zverev complained to the umpire after members of the crowd kept yelling out when he was serving. Branding the behaviour of the Melbourne crowd as “disrespectful.”
“That is just disrespectful on another level,” Zverev complained to the umpire.
“That’s impossible. I understand they’re cheering. That’s fine. They can be as loud as they want, but they can’t do that.”
Moments after the incident, Zverev responded on the court by breaking his opponent on way to forcing the match into a decider in what was a turning point.
Despite the defeat, world No.139 de Minaur draws positives from his performance, which featured five aces and 35 winners. The teenager has been billed as the next superstar in Australian tennis. Last month he reached back-to-back semi finals of ATP events in Brisbane and Sydney.
“Right now I couldn’t be more devastated,’’ said de Minaur.
“I left it all on court and I’m feeling pretty bad, but overall I’m pretty proud of my effort _ I gave 110 per cent.
“I enjoyed every second of it and hopefully next time I’m able to close it out.”
Kyrgios draws level
Australia’s hopes in the tie were revived by a clinical performance from Nick Kyrgios in the second match. The world No.14 produced 21 aces and didn’t drop his serve once during his 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, triumph over Jan-Lennard Struff. Following his win, Kyrgios paid tribute to the Pat Rafter Arena. The venue of where the tie is taking place.
“It was easy for me to follow up on Demon’s (de Minaur) effort. I’ve had great memories here. Obviously last year’s Davis Cup and Brisbane International earlier this year.” Said Kyrgios.
During the opening day of the competition, team captain Lleyton Hewitt has praised Kyrgios’ support for de Minaur. Describing the 22-year-old as an ‘older brother’ figure.
“He’s been fantastic with De Minaur,” Hewitt told Channel 7.
“He’s sort of been his older brother.
“Even when Alex was the orange boy (in previous campaigns), he’d always get him out to hit with him and help him.”
The tie is now currently level at 1-1. On Saturday the doubles match will take place. Matthew Ebden and Johnny Peers is set to represent Australia. Meanwhile, the German team features Tim Puetz and Peter Gojowczyk.
