A pair of 20-something young guns just missed dealing Australia a fatal blow with the Davis Cup Finals tie with the Czech Republic knotted at one win each on Wednesday in Spain.
The 28-time champions are on life support but still in the struggle after Spain-based Alex de Minaur pulled off a 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5 fightback in the second singles rubber over Jiri Lehecka.
Czech Tomas Machac opened the afternoon with a win, stunning Jordan Thompson to win 6-4 7-5 in just under two hours.
But Lleyton Hewitt’s side are used to recoverings, with de Minaur coming good at the last gasp.
The tie will be determined by the doubles.
Longtime Davis disciple Hewitt, who played in two Finals, has his side deeply respectful of Davis traditions.
“They are playing for each other first, they’re playing for the rest of the team and support staff, but they’re also playing for their country.
“It takes a certain player to be able to go out there and perform under those kinds of pressures and expectations – these boys can do it.”
Spanish-speaking De Minaur, who grew up in Iberia, is equally optimistic: “Hopefully since there is no Spain. then we’ve become the home nation.”
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