Australia vs Croatia – Semi-Final – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Davis Cup Finals
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THE FACTS
When is Australia vs Croatia on and what time does it start? Australia vs Croatia will take place on Friday 25th November, 2022 – not before 15:00 (UK)
Where is Australia vs Croatia taking place? Australia vs Croatia will take place at Martin Carpena in Malaga, Spain
What surface is Australia vs Croatia being played on? Australia vs Croatia will take place on an indoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Australia vs Croatia? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Australia vs Croatia
What channel is Australia vs Croatia on in the UK? The Davis Cup Finals will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Australia vs Croatia in the UK? Tennis Channel subscribers can stream the Davis Cup Finals
THE LOWDOWN
Australia team captain brought last-minute second option Jordan Thompson into the fray on Tuesday to face Tallon Griekspoor and the gamble paid off with a comeback victory for the world number 84. Doing so took the pressure off world number 24 Alex de Minaur’s clash with Botic van de Zandschulp, with avoiding the Netherlands’ superb doubles pairing the absolute imperative of the day. 23-year-old De Minaur also came back from a set down to beat a spirited Van de Zandschulp in three thrilling sets to see the Aussies through 2-0.
Croatia looked the nation to beat coming into the Davis Cup Finals this week and they proved it immediately by ousting hosts Spain 2-0 in Malaga. Marin Cilic finished runner-up to Russia here last season alongside Borna Gojo but the addition of former world number 12 Borna Coric, back on tour from a year-long absence, proved the difference early on as he beat Davis Cup stalwart Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets to get thigs underway. Cilic then came back from a set down to take out an inspired Pablo Carreno Busta to null and void the need for a doubles decider.
THE PREDICTION
Croatia are the number-one ranked side at the Davis Cup Finals in the absence of last season’s champions Russia and they look by far the most complete side amongst the eight that started this week in Malaga. Their trump cards, Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic, were not even required to oust host nation Spain on Wednesday which will only help their in-form doubles pairing as they come off finishing runner-up at the ATP Finals last weekend. This gives Croatia a huge mental edge in what should be a thrilling semi-final on Friday, with Australia likely to target a 2-0 win or bust here once again. Jordan Thompson impressed against Tallon Griekspoor but world number 26 Borna Coric should be too steep a climb here considering the 26-year-old’s recent results over the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas.
A likely 1-0 lead for Croatia puts all the pressure on Alex de Minaur to provide for Australia, something that often brings the best out of the youngster. It should feel like a home game for De Minaur, who spent much of his life in Spain and whose mother is Spanish, with the neutrals wishing to see a doubles decider. Marin Cilic remains a serious competitor but he will have to be ready for the level De Minaur can find under these circumstances and each of their three meetings have gone the distance in a head-to-head record that favours the Croat 2-1. For these reasons, back Croatia to win outright or risk a 2-1 scoreline.
