After an unbeaten run, Team Australia have cruised into the final eight of the ATP Cup in Sydney, while at the Brisbane International, four-time Olympian Sam Stosur broke a five-year drought, beating Angelique Kerber for the first time since 2015.
The Australian men’s team became the first team to qualify for the Final Eight after Germany (1-1) beat Greece (0-2) in Group F on Sunday night in Brisbane.
On Sunday afternoon, Alex de Minaur’s win against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov put Australia in Final Eight qualification position. The Aussie no. 1 rallied from a set down to defeat Shapovalov 6-7(6) 6-4 6-2.
“I managed to turn things around, get back into a positive mindset, get my energy back,” De Minaur said.
“I think it's all energy. It's good that in the back of my head I know that all the hard work I've put in in the pre-season, so I know that my body's ready to keep on going for however long it takes.”
Earlier on Sunday, Brisbane local John Millman filled in for Nick Kyrgios after he pulled out of the tournament due to a back complaint.
Millman, Australia’s no. 3 singles player, expected to play a supporting role throughout the tournament, however, was thrust into action when Kyrgios pulled out just before his 10 am match.
Millman went on to defeat Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-2, giving Australia the lead.
“It’s never easy when you’re not totally expecting to play, but any opportunity to come here and play in front of a home crowd — I’ve been lucky to play on all courts in all venues all around the world, and there’s no place like home. I love playing here in front of the Queensland crowd,” Millman said.
Fellow Australians John Peers and Chris Guccione finished off the sweep with a 3-6 7-6(3) [10-8] win against Auger-Aliassime and Adil Shamasdin.
Team Australia is now heading to Sydney ahead of the Final Eight, which starts on Thursday 9 January
In a spectacular start to 2020, Sam Stosur defeated three-time grand slam champion Angelique Kerber in straight sets to reach the second round of the Brisbane International.
After defeating Germanys Kerber 7-6(5), 7-6(4), this will be the first time Stosur has reached the second round of her home event since 2016. This result also marks as Stosur’s first top-20 result in 10 months.
“That was a great match from me. Love playing in front of this crowd – you guys give me tons of energy so it’s nice to get a win and start the year like this. It’s amazing,” she said.
In the second round, Stosur, who is on the same side of the draw as world No.1 Ash Barty, will play the winner of the match between American eighth seed Madison Keys and Czech qualifier Marie Bouzkova.
In the background, Tennis Australia have implemented a bushfire fundraising initiative #aces4bushfirerelief, committing to donate $200 per ace hit.
Along with donations received from the public, Tennis Australia have raised over $1.1 million for the Red Cross with players from around the world also pledging for every ace hit.
You can find out more HERE.
