AUSTRALIA is through to the 2024 Davis Cup semi-finals for a chance at redemption against Italy after taking down a star-studded United States lineup. The green and gold had the Malaga stadium pumping when Thanasi Kokkinakis stunned Top 25 talent Ben Shelton, and then the experienced doubles duo of Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson used their experience in the format to secure the win after a shock change by the USA.

American captain Bob Bryan – one of the world’s best doubles players of all-time – made a surprising late switch from tried and true doubles combination of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek to singles duo Shelton and Tommy Paul While Bryan said it was to “surprise” the Australians, Lleyton Hewitt’s chargers just got on with victory, winning 6-4 6-4 and booking a place in a third successive semi-final.

While Australia has had its fair share of Davis Cup heartbreak the last couple of years – finishing runner-up in 2022 and 2023, the green and gold looked incredible against an American side that on rankings should have swept the nation from Down Under.

Despite Taylor Fritz overcoming top ranked Aussie Alex de Minaur for the second time in a fortnight – after winning at the ATP Finals – 6-3 6-4, the consistency from which the reigning finalists were able to play through the doubles was outstanding. Both Grand Slam winners in their own right, Ebden and Thompson looked too good for Shelton and Paul, making the decision to leave Ram and Krajicek on the bench all the more puzzling.

But the highlight of the night was easily Kokkinakis’ incredible three-set win over Shelton, getting up 16-14 in the deciding set tiebreak to win, 6-1 4-6 7-6. Kokkinakis played lights out tennis against an opponent ranked 56 spots higher, and even when challenged he found something more. Some including Bryan said it was the best Davis Cup match they had witnessed such was the tension and excitement.

Hewitt said it was great to see others stepping up outside of de Minaur who has often been the man to turn to in a Davis Cup crisis.

“We have relied on Alex and what he’s been able to do in Davis Cup an awful lot,” Hewitt said. “It’s nice that we could repay the favour today for him.

“Me and the rest of the team know what Thanasi’s level is like, and if we can get him going out there and playing at his highest level, he’s dangerous for anybody. “I don’t care who it is. “I had full belief in him. “He was hitting it a treat all week leading in. “He got what he deserved. “He put a very tough training block in for us to get that win today, which was important.”

The Australians have a daunting task up next against reigning champions Italy who of course boast world number one Jannik Sinner. The winner of that semi-final would be unbackable favourites in the decider against the lower ranked Netherlands or Germany on the other side of the Davis Cup draw.