When it comes to winning the Davis Cup, there haven’t been many nations better at claiming the prize than Australia.
In fact, only the USA with 32 titles can claim to have lifted the crown more times than the Aussies who have won it on 28 occasions.
Despite the brilliant record at the Davis Cup, Australia haven’t tasted success since 2003 – and for now, the wait goes on.
Australia were beaten emphatically by Italy in the semi-final as a Jannik Sinner-inspired Italian outfit set up a final with the Netherlands.
It’s been far too long for a tennis-playing nation like Australia to have waited to claim Davis Cup glory but now the hopes will have to wait for another year.
Alex de Minaur and Thanasi Kokkinakis couldn’t overcome the Italian juggernaut of a team and the pair have enjoyed a warm embrace on social media.
Thanasi Kokkinakis reacts as Alex de Minaur takes to social media
This one could hurt Australia for a little while with Leyton Hewitt likely to be very disappointed he couldn’t bring success to Australia.
Kokkinakis and De Minaur lost their singles matches to make the doubles clash redundant and end Aussie hopes.
After the match De Minaur posted on Instagram: “Well there goes another Davis Cup in the books…we did not reach the holy grail this time but I’ve got no doubt that we will lift that trophy up.
“This team has accomplished unbelievable things this year individually and as a whole. Love all you guys and couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this team. We go again next year.”
Kokkinakis reacted almost immediately to his fellow countryman and said: “We’ll get there.”
The duo have time on their side and with Nick Kyrgios making a return to tennis it will be fascinating to see whether or not he can help the team next year.
Australia can claim Davis Cup success under Hewitt tutelege
Hewitt enjoyed a wonderful career as a player and that winning mentality will help Australia in this tournament going forward.
Both Kokkinakis and De Minaur are quality players and with a little bit more belief and some luck with the draw, Australia can claim success in the future.
Australia ran into an Italian outfit led by Sinner this time and ultimately, their name looks like it could be on the trophy.
Hewitt is hopeful that the Davis Cup finals can be held in Australia in the years to come and that might help the team should it become a reality.
The future is bright for Australian tennis and the hope will be that this is merely a bump in the road.
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