Australia start Davis Cup Finals strong with win over France
Australia began their Davis Cup Finals campaign with a victory over France on Wednesday morning (AEST) in Valencia, prevailing 2-1 to go top of Group B.
The nation came into this year’s edition seeded second, having made the final of the past two Davis Cups.
But with singles star Alex de Minaur injured, the Aussies faced a stiff challenge against a strong French team in their first fixture.
Thanasi Kokkinakis stepped up, continuing his solid form to defeat world No.25 Arthur Fils 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3).
Alexei Popyrin was unable to back up his recent hardcourt results, though, going down in straight sets (6-3, 6-2) to Ugo Humbert.
However, Australia’s doubles pairing got the team across the line, with Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell edging out Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Edouard Roger-Vasselin, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3.
Australia will now have a day off before playing Czechia in their second set of matches in Spain.
Should they be victorious, they will secure a top-two spot in Group B and book their place in the Davis Cup knockout stage in late November.
Germany and Canada also win Davis Cup ties
Elsewhere in Davis Cup Finals action, both Germany and Canada started strong as well.
Germany took on Slovakia, sweeping all three matches.
Yannick Hanfmann edged out Jozef Kovalik 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3), Maximillian Marterer beat Lukas Klein 6-4, 7-5, while Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz overcame Klein and Igor Zelenay 7-5, 6-3.
Canada also gained a win, with the 2022 champions defeating Argentina courtesy of two singles victories to former top-10 players Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov.
Several more teams will start their campaigns later on Wednesday, with defending champions Italy taking on Brazil in Bologna.
Top tennis betting sites have the Italians — headed by former Grand Slam finalist Matteo Berrettini — as $1.11 favourites in that tie, with Brazil paying $6 for the win.
Strong American and British teams will also play on Wednesday.
Bookmaker Bet365 has the USA at $1.28 to defeat Chile in Zhuhai, while Great Britain are at $1.14 to overcome Finland in Manchester.
