Ben Shelton has to return home with the USA. © ANSA / Jorge Zapata

Surprise in the Davis Cup: The USA fail

There was a surprise at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga: the USA had to throw in the towel in the quarterfinals.

21 November 2024

From: dl

Many experts had expected a possible semi-final between the USA and Italy on Saturday. But that is not going to happen now. The Americans lost 1:2 to Australia on Thursday. This would make the yellow-greens Italy's possible opponent in the semi-final.

Ben Shelton (ATP 21) surprisingly lost the first match against Thanasi Kokkinakis (ATP 77) 1:2 sets. The Australian won the tiebreak of the third set with 16:14 points. The USA then hit back with Taylor Fritz. Jannik Sinner's final opponent at the ATP Finals won against Alex De Minaur. But in the doubles, Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson had the upper hand against Tommy Paul and Shelton with 2:0 sets.

Matthew Ebden (left) and Jordan Thompson are in the semifinals with Australia. © APA/afp / THOMAS COEX

Italy will play its quarter-final against Argentina on Thursday from 17 p.m. First, Lorenzo Musetti (ATP 17) will play against Francisco Cerundolo (ATP 30). Sinner will then play against Sebastian Baez (ATP 27). The winner will face Australia in the semi-final on Saturday. The other semi-final will be between Germany and the Netherlands on Friday.