MADRID, November 22
Whatever the pros and cons of the new-fangled Davis Cup Finals, the old competition’s knack of inspiring players to upset the form book endures, as Vasek Pospisil showed on Thursday to fire Canada past Australia into the semifinals.
The 29-year-old is languishing at world No. 150 after back surgery to fix a herniated disc sidelined him for six months, but he has lit up La Caja Magica this week with a series of stunning displays. He was the difference again on Thursday, beating 48th-ranked John Millman 7-6(7) 6-4 in the opening singles before teaming up with Denis Shapovalov to win the deciding doubles rubber against Jordan Thompson and John Peers 6-4 6-4.
Nick Kyrgios, impressive in their group wins over Colombia and Belgium, was surprisingly not named to play against the Canadians. Team captain Lleyton Hewitt later clarified Kyrgios was forced out by a collarbone injury.
Russia beat Serbia
A spirited Russia battled past 2010 champions Serbia 2-1 in the quarterfinals on Friday to reach the last-four of the competition for the first time since 2008. Andrey Rublev put Russia in front by swatting aside Filip Krajinovic 6-1 6-2 before Novak Djokovic dragged Serbia back into the tie with a 6-3 6-3 win over Karen Khachanov. Djokovic and Viktor Troicki squandered three match points as Rublev and Khachanov prevailed 6-4 4-6 7-6(8) in the decider. Russia will next face Canada. — Reuters
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