Australia’s John Millman has lost his opening set against Thiago Monteiro in a tie-break as Brazil continue their comeback in the Davis Cup tie.
Millman was not performing at his strongest on Saturday afternoon, his Brazilian opponent proving too strong.
However, the 30-year-old bounced back to claim the second set — also in a tie-break — sending the match to a decisive third set. If Millman falters, all hopes of Australian victory rests on Jordan Thompson in his singles rubber.
Earlier, Brazil defeated Australia in Saturday’s doubles rubber to keep their Davis Cup qualifying tie alive in Adelaide.
Marcelo Demoliner and Felipe Meligeni Rodrigues Alves came from a set down on Saturday to pip Australia’s James Duckworth and John Peers in a tense encounter, prevailing 5-7 7-5 7-6 (8-6).
Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt celebrates winning a game with players James Duckworth and John PeersSource:AFP
After the final set went to a tie-break, the Australian pair survived four match points and were on the verge of a stunning comeback.
However, the Brazilian duo prevailed, winning the nailbiting encounter in over three hours.
Australia now hold a two-one lead ahead of Saturday’s reverse singles at Memorial Drive.
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Millman and Thompson won each of their singles rubbers on Friday to give Australia a two-nil lead in the tie.
On Friday, Millman had taken the unlikeliest of Davis Cup victories against Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild in a three-set comeback thriller.
World No. 43 Millman was struggling early against the 19-year-old World No. 113, but he held his nerve and mustered a brilliant comeback to claim the victory and give Australia the advantage after the first day in Adelaide.
The winner of the tie will advance to the cup finals in November in Spain. A victory for either Millman or Thompson on Saturday ensures Australia’s qualification.
John Millman of Australia serves during the Davis Cup Qualifier singles matchSource:Getty Images
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
Marcelo Demoliner and Felipe Meligeni Rodrigues Alves (BRA) def. James Duckworth and John Peers (AUS) 5-7, 7-5, 7-6
John Millman (AUS) vs Thiago Monteiro (BRA) 6-7 7-6
Jordan Thompson (AUS) vs Thiago Seyboth Wild (BRA)
With AAP
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