Hurkacz beats Thiem as Poland knock out (2-1) Austria of ATP Cup

Rising star Hubert Hurkacz capped a brilliant week when he upset world number four Dominic Thiem as Poland upset Austria 2-1 and knock them out of ATP Cup in Sydney, Australia on Wednesday. Hurkacz unbeaten singles record was under threat when world number four Dominic Thiem looked in supreme form early in the opening set, which inlcuded some audacious stroke play by the Austrian. Thiem won the first set 6-3.

But the 6-foot-five inches tall Hurkacz survived eight break points from then on to win the second set 6-4 and clinch the decider on a tie-break. Hurkacz won the tie-break 7-5 when a Thiem return ended in the net. The Pole won the match 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 (5). Earlier, Kacper Zuk gave Poland a crucial lead by beating Dennis Novak in three tough sets. The 448th ranked Zuk won 5-7, 7-6 (3), 6-3.

Austria won the doubles when veteran Jurgen Melzer and Oliver Marach beat Hurkacz and Lukas Kubot 6-7, 6-3, 11-9. The win is Poland's first in the tournament though both teams are eliminated.