Alex de Minaur, Kokkinakis and the doubles pairing of Matt Ebden and Max Purcell secured a place in the top eight by sweeping the Swiss 3-0.
The decision by Hewitt to keep faith in Kokkinakis paid off when the South Australian defeated Dominic Stricker 6-3, 7-5 in the opening rubber against the Swiss.
Thanasi Kokkinakis was pleased to reward the faith shown in him in Manchester by Australia’s Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt.Credit: Getty
Kokkinakis was under immense pressure after an earlier loss against Jack Draper, as Australia lost to Great Britain. But Hewett backed Kokkinakis, and the world No.74 responded in style, snapping a run of three-consecutive Davis Cup defeats.
“I am happy they had faith in me, putting me out there. I had no idea [whether I was going to play]. I had been practising really well throughout the week, but there were a couple of guys who are higher ranked…
Read the Full News at www.theage.com.au
Keep Reading Latest the Tennis Update on Sportyjones.com!