Davis Cup semis all-square as Kyrgios and Tsonga fly the flag
Nick Kyrgios prevailed in a thrilling, topsy-turvy encounter with Steve Darcis to level Australia's Davis Cup semi-final with Belgium at 1-1 after the first day of action.
Earlier on Friday, Kyrgios' team-mate John Millman threatened a shock when he took the first set off David Goffin, but the world number 12 responded to clinch a 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-3 7-5 win and give the hosts the lead.
And so it was left to Kyrgios, amid a raucous atmosphere in Brussels, to ensure Australia did not head into Saturday's doubles 2-0 down with three to play.
After an engrossing back-and-forth clash, Kyrgios eventually triumphed 6-3 3-6 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 6-2 to leave the tie tantalisingly poised.
Honours even at the end of day one in Brussels as @NickKyrgios defeats Steve Darcis 63 36 67(5) 61 62 in 3 hours 36 mins. #BELAUS #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/VlMmmIaG6j
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 15, 2017
Having taken the first set, Kyrgios was broken at the start of the second and although he saved three set points in game nine, the Australian netted a forehand, allowing Darcis to level.
Darcis came under severe pressure in the third, surviving five break points in game four before a 4-0 lead in the tie-break allowed him to move within one set of giving Belgium a crucial 2-0 lead in the tie.
Undeterred, Kyrgios produced a thumping forehand winner from the first point of the fourth, which set him up for the first of three breaks as Darcis wilted.
A huge net cord at break point down went the way of Kyrgios at the start of the decider and, perhaps sensing it was his day, the Australian showcased his talent - encapsulated with a double-handed backhand winner with both feet off the floor en route to a gutsy victory.
In the other last-four clash, France and Serbia are also locked at 1-1 after respective wins for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Dusan Lajovic.
Beaten semi-finalists last year, France were dealt an early blow as Lajovic shocked world number 22 Lucas Pouille 6-1 3-6 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (7-5).
Pouille staved off five match points in the fourth set but ultimately succumbed before Tsonga levelled matters in routine fashion, seeing off Laslo Djere 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 6-3.
@tsonga7 defeats Djere in straight sets and the #DavisCup semifinal in Lille is finely poised after the opening day!
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 15, 2017
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Saturday's doubles action sees Belgium's Ruben Bemelmans and Arthur de Greef take on Australia's John Peers and Jordan Thompson while in the other tie, the French duo of Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut face Filip Krajinovic and Nenad Zimonjic.