With wins from No.1 gamers Alex de Minaur and Marton Fucsovics within the Davis Cup qualifier, Australia and Hungary are tied at 1-1 after the opening day.
Sydney, Australia , 4 March 2022 | Vivienne Christie
Australia and Hungary are tied at one win apiece within the Davis Cup qualifier at Ken Rosewall Area, after day one victories from every nation’s respective No.1s.
Alex de Minaur opened play with a decisive win over Zsombor Piros to offer Australia with a 1-0 benefit, earlier than Marton Fucsovics levelled for Hungary with victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Fucsovics required two hours and 24 minutes to assert a 7-6(4) 1-6 6-3 win over the Australian No.2.
“It was a really bodily match,” mentioned Fucsovics, noting the troublesome situations created by excessive humidity in Sydney.
“However I just like the floor, I just like the balls, the ambiance is unbelievable.”
🇦🇺 Australia 1 v 1 Hungary 🇭🇺
Marton Fucsovics claims victory in a three-set battle over Thanasi Kokkinakis, setting the scene for a giant day two at Ken Rosewall Area.@DavisCup pic.twitter.com/CmaOuJLEzI
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) March 4, 2022
Regardless of the 64 rankings locations that separate the 2 gamers – Fucsovics is presently ranked world No.35, whereas Kokkinakis is No.99 – a high-quality contested was principally evenly matched all through.
After trailing 2-5 within the first set, the Australian battled again to power a tiebreak. And whereas the Hungarian was capable of safe the tight 65-minute opener, Kokkinakis’ 5 break level alternatives hinted at a turning level.
It got here as Kokkinakis gained a break early within the second set and consolidated to guide 3-0. With one other break of serve secured 4 video games later, the Australian levelled by claiming the 33-minute second set.
Within the sapping humidity, momentum was clearly changeable and the 30-year-old Fucsovics utilised all his expertise of 21 ties contested over 11 seasons of representing Hungary in Davis Cup.
An off-court break after the second set disrupted Kokkinakis’ rhythm, with Fucsovics taking a 3-0 lead within the deciding set.
Kokkinakis staged a mini restoration after receiving medical remedy, claiming a break of serve within the fifth sport.
He couldn’t consolidate, Fucsovics changing his third break level of the entire 5 gathered to take a 4-2 lead. Whereas Kokkinakis continued to battle, Fucsovics maintained his result in degree the tie.
“Thanasi was taking part in excellent within the second set. He raised a degree. He was serving very nicely and he was hitting massive forehands,” mentioned the Hungarian, noting the advantage of his off-court break.
“I broke his rhythm just a little bit. I got here again with a variety of power and that was the important thing.”
> READ: De Minaur makes good begin in Davis Cup qualifier
It units the scene for a giant day two at Ken Rosewall Area, with John Friends and Davis Cup debutante Luke Saville to open play towards Fucsovics and Fabian Marozsan within the doubles match.
De Minaur will then return to the courtroom to face Fucsovics, which might present a possibility to safe victory.
“I hope to play an excellent match towards Alex, I’m certain it will likely be very bodily,” Fucsovics mentioned.
“I do know him very nicely. He’s one of many strongest guys on the tour. I simply wish to take pleasure in and play an excellent match.”
RESULTS – Day One
Alex de Minaur (AUS) d Zsombor Piros (HUN) 7-5 6-2
Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) v Marton Fucsovics (HUN) 7-6(4) 1-6 6-3
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 Area, Sydney Olympic Park, from 1pm on Saturday 5 March. Tickets can be found by way of Ticketmaster.
