By Chris Oddo | Sunday April 9, 2017
Nick Kyrgios capped off a fantastic weekend for the green and gold with a straight-sets win over Sam Querrey in Brisbane.
Photo Source: AFP
Nick Kyrgios played a starring role and Australia took down the Americans in Brisbane. The 21-year-old Aussie won both his singles matches over the weekend, including a tie-clinching 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-4 win over American Sam Querrey to send the green and Ggold through to the Davis Cup semifinals for the second time in three years and the first time with Lleyton Hewitt as the team’s Captain.
“There is no greater honor than wearing the green and gold,” said Hewitt. “I couldn’t be prouder of my boys. They’ve put so much hard work and effort into this campaign. They did absolutely everything we asked of them. The coaching staff too, so many sacrifices made. That’s what representing Australia is all about.”
Kyrgios, who was defeated by Querrey in Acapulco in February, hit 21 aces and saved seven of nine break points to triumph in two hours and five minutes.
Querrey started strong and opened up a 4-1 lead in set one but Kyrgios responded quickly to level at 4-all. He would take the opener in a tiebreaker. Kyrgios also battled back from 4-1 down in the third set, winning the final five games and 15 of the final 17 points to send Australian through to the semis.
“It's a lot of relief we got through, a tough third set out there,” said Kyrgios, who won both singles matches this weekend in straight sets against Top 30 opponents. “Obviously a lot of emotions close to the finish line, I’ve been looking forward to this tie for a long time now.”
The Aussies will travel to Belgium on 15-17 September for their next tie.
David Goffin clinched victory for his nation over Italy on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Paolo Lorenzi. Goffin did not drop a set all weekend for Belgium.