On Wednesday, Britain overcame Australia, the Davis Cup runners-up from last year, in the opening match of the Finals group stage, while Spain and Italy were humiliated at home.
In their Finals group stage first match on Wednesday, Britain outdueled last year's runner-up in the Davis Cup, Australia, while Spain and Italy were humiliated at home in the top men's team competition.
Debutant Jack Draper honoured Britain captain Leon Smith's confidence in him by giving the hosts an excellent start, coming from behind to defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Manchester Arena in front of the supportive home crowd with scores of 6-7(6), 6-3, and 7-6(4).
There is nothing better than a true fight here in front of a big crowd, according to Draper. It's incredible to compete in my first Davis Cup match in the UK in this setting. I'm extremely appreciative to be here, and I'm glad Leon believed in me and fired me.
The squad is focused this year, and after a challenging run last year, we aim to reach the Finals. I had to put everything on the line since I was playing for my country.
The victory was then secured by an inspired Dan Evans defeating world number 12 Alex de Minaur 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. Britain was attempting to advance from Group B after failing to do so for the first time since 2018 last year.
In Valencia, the Czech Republic established a commanding 2-0 lead over the hosts Spain, who were without Carlos Alcaraz because he opted out of the team to rest after losing in the U.S. Open semifinals.
In Group C, they are in an excellent position alongside Serbia after Tomas Machac easily defeated Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-4, 6-4, and Jiri Lehecka doubled their advantage by defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6(5), 7-5. Serbia also won their match on Tuesday.
The top two teams from each of the four groups will proceed to the Malaga, Spain, knockout stages in November.
In front of their home crowds in Bologna, Italy also had a poor day as reigning champions Canada won easily in Group A in a rematch of the semifinal from the previous year.
200th-ranked Alexis Galarneau defeated 158th-ranked Lorenzo Sonego 7-6(8), 6-4. As Canada demonstrated they can be a factor even without Denis Shapovalov, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Milos Raonic, Gabriel Diallo stunned Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 6-4.
