Machac downs Thompson to give Czechia 1-0 lead over Australia at Davis Cup

World No.78 Tomas Machac scored a pivotal victory for Team Czechia on Wednesday at Davis Cup, defeating Jordan Thompson 6-4, 7-5 to give his nation a 1-0 lead over Australia in Davis Cup quarter-final action.

Czechia has sent out Jiri Lehecka against Alex de Minaur in Wednesday’s second rubber as the Aussies hope to stay alive and force a deciding third rubber.

The winner of Wednesday’s tie will face Finland on Thursday in Davis Cup semi-final action.

“For me, super important, because at the end of the year I was playing really well and unfortunately the last tournament in Helsinki I was ill, so the preparation wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be.

“It’s not about playing good, it’s about fighting for every ball and putting it all out on the table.”

Thompson – nothing but frustration

It was a difficult day for Thompson, who played and competed well, but ended up with only frustration after falling to 9-5 lifetime at Davis Cup.

“As frustrating can be,” he said. “Playing Davis Cup quarterfinal, I’ve got great memories on that court, and now I’ve got one bad one.

“Yeah, that’s a 10 out of 10 frustration levels.”

Thompson was behind for much of the match but continued to battle for the green and gold. He saved four break points to avoid going a double-break down in the first set, but Machac answered by saving two of his own to hold for 5-3.

In the second set Machac converted his fifth break point of the ninth game to lead 5-4 but was broken back immediately.

“I worked so hard to just get one break,” Thompson said. “And then to have it taken straight back out of my hand is, yeah, probably the most annoying thing, especially, you know, he served for the match, probably had some nerves. Got to make him think that maybe he’s lost his chance.

“But credit to him. I think he had a couple winners in that game and then he hit another couple of winners serving for the match.”

The 23-year-old won the final two games (eight of the final ten points) to clinch his victory in one hour and 53 minutes.

“I was a little bit tight, but it doesn’t matter because I’m super happy with the fighting spirit today,” Machac said.

Quarter-finals complete on Thursday in Malaga

As mentioned, Finland has already gained safe passage into the Davis Cup final four, and will face either Czechia or Australia on Friday.

On Thursday quarter-final action continues with two pivotal matchups: Italy v Netherlands, and Serbia v Great Britain.

Semi-final action will commence on Friday with Finland’s half of the draw playing for a spot in the final. On Saturday, the Italy v Netherlands and Serbia v Great Britain winners will meet in the semi-finals with the final to be played on Sunday 11/26.

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