Alex de Minaur defeats Zsombor Piros to offer Australia with a crucial first level within the Davis Cup qualifier towards Hungary.
Sydney, Australia , 4 March 2022 | Vivienne Christie
Alex de Minaur has earned Australia a crucial first level within the Davis Cup qualifier towards Hungary with a 7-5 6-2 win over Zsombor Piros.
It provides to De Minaur’s rising file whereas competing for Australia – now a winner of six of his previous seven singles rubbers, the 23-year-old’s solely Davis Cup loss up to now three seasons is to Marin Cilic within the round-robin stage of the 2021 Finals.
“It’s by no means straightforward enjoying on your nation. There’s all the time much more nerves moving into however I can’t inform you how good it feels to play in (entrance of) a house crowd, in my residence city,” stated a delighted De Minaur.
“(I’m) very glad additionally to get the primary win.”
Off to a FLYING begin 🚀@alexdeminaur secures the primary rubber 7-5 6-2 over Hungary’s Piros.
#GoAussies • @DavisCup pic.twitter.com/Ug06dRVffJ— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) March 4, 2022
Regardless of a big rankings hole, the world No.30 De Minaur confronted a tricky opponent in Piros, who presently sits at a career-high No.240.
The 22-year-old Hungarian has performed his finest tennis in Davis Cup, claiming upset wins over Marin Cilic and John Millman within the Finals final yr.
There have been indicators that Piros may declare one other career-defining win within the group competitors, as video games remained on serve for almost all of a decent first set.
However as Piros served at 5-6, a unfastened recreation supplied De Minaur with three set level alternatives. With a double fault from Piros, the Australian secured the set in 44 minutes.
The decided De Minaur was higher capable of utilise his Davis Cup expertise early within the second set, gaining a decisive break within the fourth recreation.
He maintained stress to grab victory with a forehand winner on his third match level.
“It’s particular.” stated De Minaur of his ardour to compete on the earth group occasion.
“To put on the inexperienced and gold in entrance of legends of the game, with the historical past, tradition and custom that the Australian Davis Cup group has … it’s only a particular feeling for certain.”
Ken Rosewall watching @alexdeminaur on Ken Rosewall Enviornment.
The Australian #DavisCup spirit ✨✨ pic.twitter.com/BgNQoW1nYe
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) March 4, 2022
Thrilled to return to a favorite court docket at Ken Rosewall Enviornment, De Minaur was much more delighted to compete earlier than the legend himself.
“As a lot as I like enjoying on this court docket, that is your court docket Kenny and it’s my favorite court docket on the earth,” stated De Minaur as Rosewall watched on from the entrance row.
“Thanks a lot for being right here, the whole lot you’ve completed. To maintain getting us fired up for Davis Cup in lots of extra years to come back.”
Thanasi Kokkinakis now takes to the court docket towards No.1 Hungarian Marton Fucsovics.
With victory this weekend, Australia would progress to the Davis Cup Finals for a 3rd straight time.
Australia v Hungary Davis Cup Qualifier – Day One
RESULTS – Day One
Alex de Minaur (AUS) d Zsombor Piros (HUN) 7-5 6-2
Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) v Marton Fucsovics (HUN)
COMING UP – Day Two
John Friends/Luke Saville (AUS) v Marton Fucsovics/Fabian Marozsan (HUN)
Alex de Minaur (AUS) v Marton Fucsovics (HUN)
Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) v Zsombor Piros (HUN)
> DOWNLOAD: Australia v Hungary Qualifier Official Davis Cup Program
Australia v Hungary Davis Cup qualifier continues at Ken Rosewall Enviornment, Sydney Olympic Park, from 1pm on Saturday 5 March. Tickets can be found through Ticketmaster.
