Australia reached the Davis Cup semi-finals for a third consecutive year on Thursday, winning 2-1 against the United States.
The victory in two identical sets of 6-4 by Matt Ebden and Jordan Thompson against Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul made the difference.
Australia, 28 times Davis Cup champion, will face Italy, the reigning champion, or Argentina in the semi-final on Saturday.
The other semi-final will pit the Netherlands, defeaters of Spain and Rafael Nadal, against Germany, who eliminated Canada on Wednesday.
The Australians have been runners-up for the past two years, notably losing to world number 1 Jannik Sinner and Italy in 2023.
The Americans have won 32 Davis Cups, but have not reached the semifinals since 2018 and have not triumphed since 2007.
Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram were initially scheduled to take part in the deciding doubles match before US captain Bob Bryan announced a change 15 minutes before the clash. Ebden and John Peers won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics this summer against Krajicek and Ram.
The Australians managed a break in each set on Thursday. In the second set, the break made it 5-4, then Thompson served for the victory.
Thanasi Kokkinakis had previously given the Australians the lead by erasing four match points at his expense to overcome Shelton 6-1, 4-6 and 7-6 (14).
Kokkinakis (77th) resisted 21 aces from Shelton (21st), semi-finalist of the United States Open in 2023. The victory of Taylor Fritz (fourth) against Alex De Minaur (ninth) was much more expeditious, concluding 6-3 and 6-4.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
## World Today News: Davis Cup Drama Down Under
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to World Today News. We’re joined today by two tennis experts to discuss Australia’s exciting Davis Cup semi-final qualification and the broader narrative unfolding in the tournament.
Let me introduce our guests: **[Guest 1 Name and Credentials]**, and **[Guest 2 Name and Credentials]**.
Welcome both!
**Section 1: Australia’s Triumph**
**Interviewer:** Australia makes it three consecutive Davis Cup semi-finals. What are your thoughts on their performance against the US? Was it expected dominant win, or was there some element of surprise?
**[Guest 1]**
**[Guest 2]**
**Interviewer:** The doubles match was pivotal, with Ebden and Thompson securing the win. What do you think was crucial to their success, particularly considering the last-minute doubles team switch for the US?
**[Guest 1]**
**[Guest 2]**
**Section 2: Kokkinakis’ Grit and Fritz’s Efficiency**
**Interviewer:** Thanasi Kokkinakis showcased incredible resilience, saving four match points against Shelton. What does this victory say about his character and potential in the future?
**[Guest 1]**
**[Guest 2]**
**Interviewer:** In contrast, Taylor Fritz’s win was quite straightforward. Do you see this as a sign of his current dominance, or was De Minaur simply having an off day?
**[Guest 1]**
**[Guest 2]**
**Section 3: Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals**
**Interviewer:** Australia faces a tough challenge in the semi-finals against either Italy, the reigning champions, or Argentina. What are your predictions for this encounter, and what will be key for Australia to advance to the final?
**[Guest 1]**
**[Guest 2]**
**Interviewer:** The other semi-final pits the Netherlands, who pulled off a convincing win against Spain and Nadal, against Germany. What are your thoughts on this matchup, and who do you see emerging victorious?
**[Guest 1]**
**[Guest 2]**
**Interviewer:** Ultimately, the Davis Cup continues to deliver thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes. Gentlemen, thank you so much for your insights and analysis. It’s been a pleasure having you both.
**[Guest 1 and Guest 2]** Thank you for having us!
