Alex de Minaur led Australia to an early advantage in their Davis Cup tie against Poland with a decisive victory over Maks Kasnikowski, but the match ended in a draw after Kamil Majchrzak defeated James Duckworth.
Read More
De Minaur, ranked No. 9 in the world, showcased his skills on Saturday at Pat Rafter Arena, defeating world No. 231 Kasnikowski 6-3, 6-0. The Australian's performance came after he sought to regain his form following a disappointing second-round exit at the US Open. In contrast, Duckworth fell to Majchrzak, losing 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, tying the tie at 1-1 before the crucial doubles and reverse singles matches on Sunday.
The first singles match lasted just 56 minutes, with de Minaur winning only six points in the second set. He excelled with his serve and effectively navigated the net. After breaking serve in the fourth game, de Minaur rallied from a challenging call at 4-1 to secure back-to-back aces. Although Kasnikowski saved two set points on his serve, de Minaur comfortably closed out the first set and established dominance in the second.
De Minaur expressed his excitement, stating, "That’s what these ties are all about; get fired up, get the crowd involved, and there’s no better feeling. Being here in front of a packed crowd, it’s one I’ve missed. The serve felt great."
Kasnikowski remarked on the challenge of facing a top-ten player for the first time, noting, "It was a unique experience. A really, really tough challenge... in the second, Alex increased the level a lot, and it was too much for me today."
Duckworth initially seemed poised to give Australia a 2-0 lead, winning five consecutive games to secure the first set and taking an early break in the third. However, Majchrzak broke back and saved two break points before Duckworth's unforced errors allowed his opponent to seize control.
The doubles match on Sunday will be critical, especially since de Minaur and Majchrzak recently faced off in a close final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, where Majchrzak emerged victorious. If the tie remains tied at 2-2, Duckworth and Kasnikowski will compete in a decisive fifth rubber, where the winners will advance to next year’s qualifying round, while the losers will be eliminated from the 2027 Cup race, culminating in Italy next November. Australia, having suffered an upset in Ecuador earlier this year, must win this tie to progress.