Kyrgios and Goffin the heroes as Belgium & Australia reach semis
Nick Kyrgios secured a second Davis Cup semi-final in three years for Australia with victory in the fourth match of their last-eight clash with United States in Brisbane.
The often controversial Kyrgios grabbed the point Australia needed on Sunday with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 6-4 victory over Sam Querrey, setting up a clash with Belgium for a place in the 2017 final.
Kygios had to come from three games down in the first and third sets, but showed his growing maturity as he calmly worked his way past world number 25 Querrey.
His victory meant John Isner's win over Sam Groth was nothing more than a consolation as Lleyton Hewitt's side progressed into the semis 3-2.
Scenes of celebration as Team Australia embrace @NickKyrgios #DavisCup #AUSUSA pic.twitter.com/5LzfkXze3Z
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) April 9, 2017
"There is no greater honour than wearing the green and gold," said Hewitt. "I couldn't be prouder of my boys.
"They've put so much hard work and effort into this campaign. They did absolutely everything we asked of them. The coaching staff too, so many sacrifices made. That's what representing Australia is all about."
They will face Belgium in the last four after David Goffin claimed his second point of the tie with Italy to halt any chance of a revival.
Italy had halved their deficit in the doubles on Saturday but Paolo Lorenzi was unable to keep their fightback going as Goffin won the fourth rubber 6-3 6-3 6-2, leaving Joris De Loore's match with Alessandro Giannessi a mere formality. the Italian winning in straight sets.
BELGIUM WINS!!! @David__Goffin defeats Lorenzi 63 63 62 meaning Belgium defeats Italy 3-1 & will host Australia in the #DavisCup semifinals! pic.twitter.com/fEt3zlhOvT
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) April 9, 2017
France and Serbia sealed their progression prior to Sunday's matches so there was purely pride to play for in the final two singles matches.
Dan Evans gave 2015 champions Great Britain some reason to be cheerful with victory in Rouen over Julien Benneteau, but Kyle Edmund was beaten by Jeremy Chardy to complete a 4-1 win for France.
With Novak Djokovic given Sunday off, Serbia moved 4-0 ahead as Dusan Lajovic beat Jaume Munar in straight sets, with Albert Ramos-Vinolas ensuring Spain avoided a whitewash with victory over Nenad Zimonjic.