Thanasi Kokkinakis delivered a spectacular victory in the 2024 Davis Cup clash between Australia and the USA, defeating young American star Ben Shelton in a thrilling, dramatic match. This match not only attracted attention due to its importance but also because of the intense rallies, bold decisions, and Kokkinakis’ exceptional composure under pressure, showcasing his high-level performance when it mattered most.
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A Thrilling and Tense Match
The match between Thanasi Kokkinakis and Ben Shelton started with high expectations. There were many questions about both players’ selection for this match, as higher-ranked players like Tommy Paul and Alexei Popyrin were available. However, Kokkinakis quickly silenced the critics, winning the first set 6-1 in just 23 minutes.
Despite this early setback, Ben Shelton responded strongly in the second set, and they were forced into a deciding tie-break in the third set. In this final tie-break, Kokkinakis saved four match points before converting his seventh match point to clinch the win 7-6 (16-14). This dramatic victory was ranked as one of the longest tie-breaks in Davis Cup history.
The Unbelievable and Exciting Performance
Kokkinakis was overwhelmed with excitement after the victory. He shared, “Oh my God, I’ve never been this excited in my life. I really wanted that win, I wanted to help my team.” His emotions were clearly running high, and the pressure was intense, as he knew the importance of his match in keeping Australia’s hopes alive in the competition.
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Kokkinakis was under pressure, especially after Taylor Fritz had won the ATP Finals, and with Rafael Nadal’s retirement dominating tennis news that week, all eyes were on this Davis Cup encounter between two of the most successful countries in its history. The match definitely lived up to expectations.
The Difficulty and Effort of Kokkinakis
The Australian admitted that the tie-break was incredibly tough. Both players served well, and Kokkinakis reflected: “We both served well. I think I only served well on one point. I had a forehand at match point that I was hesitant on.” Despite the tension, he maintained his calm and managed to win, proving he could withstand pressure in high-stakes situations.
Kokkinakis gave credit to Shelton’s incredible serving, acknowledging, “He served unbelievably well. There were one or two points here and there that I managed to keep, but I can’t even describe it. I’m happy.”
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Lleyton Hewitt’s Bold Bet Pays Off
The bold decision by Lleyton Hewitt, Australia’s captain and two-time Davis Cup champion, to trust Kokkinakis proved to be the right one. Despite Kokkinakis’ lack of experience in team events and no ATP Tour appearances since the US Open, he showed his true potential on the big stage.
Hewitt’s confidence in Kokkinakis was validated as he delivered a performance worthy of the trust placed in him, particularly under such immense pressure. Kokkinakis demonstrated why he was chosen to represent his country and reaffirmed Hewitt’s faith in his ability to shine when needed most.
A Bright Future for Australian Tennis
The clash between Thanasi Kokkinakis and Ben Shelton was not just a battle between two players but also a testament to the resilience of Australian tennis. With no major names on the team, Australia proved that they could still fight fiercely and maintain hope in the Davis Cup. Kokkinakis’ excellent performance has given the team renewed confidence and hope for the future.
Conclusion
Thanasi Kokkinakis’ thrilling victory over Ben Shelton in the 2024 Davis Cup is a moment that will not be forgotten, not just because of the dramatic nature of the match but also because of Kokkinakis’ resilience and unyielding spirit. In a week filled with remarkable tennis stories, Kokkinakis’ win stood out as a highlight, ensuring Australia stays hopeful and confident in their bid for Davis Cup glory this year.
