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Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas opened their seasons with combating wins within the ATP Cup Wednesday as they heat up for the Australian Open, whereas Italy and Russia turned the primary groups into the semi-finals.
Seventh-ranked Zverev needed to dig deep to beat Canadian dangerman Denis Shapovalov 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) and seal the tie for Germany.
However he gained priceless court docket time forward of one other crack at a primary Grand Slam trophy on the Australian Open beginning subsequent week.
Zverev, who fell agonisingly brief within the US Open ultimate final yr to Dominic Thiem, stated having his brother Mischa as crew captain had helped him.
“All of the gamers take pleasure in having him as captain, he is been unbelievable in coaching as properly. It is simply nice to have him right here,” he stated.
Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff upset Milos Raonic 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/2) within the opening match and Canada are actually out after a second slim loss for Shapovalov, who pushed Novak Djokovic arduous of their Group A conflict on Tuesday.
Djokovic’s defending champions Serbia beat Canada 2-1 of their opener on Tuesday and can play Germany on Thursday for a spot within the semis.
Greece’s world quantity six Tsitsipas was additionally compelled to work arduous by Australian Alex de Minaur, who received the season-opening Antalya Open final month, ultimately triumphing 6-3, 7-5.
Tsitsipas, a semi-finalist on the Australian Open in 2019, stated he gave it his all.
“It was an exhilarating match, each of us gave all the pieces we had,” he stated.
“I managed to remain calm and resilient. I simply tried to take my alternatives and press as a lot as I may.”
Australia’s John Millman had received the opening singles match towards Michail Pervolarakis, with the Group B tie despatched right into a deciding doubles.
– Berrettini delivers –
Italy turned the primary nation into the final 4 by beating France to comply with their opening win towards Austria in Group C.
Fabio Fognini received simply 5 video games in his ATP Cup opener on Tuesday towards Dennis Novak, however bounced again to battle previous Benoit Paire 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) and provides Italy a 1-0 lead.
Matteo Berrettini, tipped by Djokovic as among the many new era able to profitable a Grand Slam, clinched the tie with a cushty 6-4, 6-2 victory over Gael Monfils, ranked a spot beneath him at 11.
“I used to be prepared for any rating. I saved going,” stated Berrettini, who recovered from taking place an early break within the first set. “I considered my weapons and that is how I received the match.”
“It is a fantastic crew, nice guys. We’re having fun with on court docket, however off court docket as properly,” he added. “I believe if you’re taking part in in your nation, in your crew, it is one thing particular.”
Russia, the one crew to characteristic two top-10 gamers, additionally made the semis, proving too robust for Japan.
World quantity eight Andrey Rublev crushed Yoshihito Nishioka in simply 64 minutes, dropping simply seven video games throughout his two singles encounters at this yr’s occasion, earlier than fourth-ranked Daniil Medvedev cruised previous Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-4.
“Actually completely happy for the crew,” stated Medvedev. “Semi-finals is a giant step … actually completely happy that we made it in each singles.”
Serbia overcame Spain within the ultimate of the inaugural and vastly fashionable match final yr in Sydney — launched as a rival to the Davis Cup.
It has been slimmed down from 24 groups to 12 this yr because of the coronavirus over 5 days at Melbourne Park with $7.5 million at stake, quite than the multi-city format employed in 2020.
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