World number one Rafael Nadal has held off a spirited effort from Alex De Minaur to seal Spain's spot in the ATP Cup final.
The Spanish star was forced to work by the Australian number one but eventually sealed the match 4-6 7-5 6-1 to book a meeting with Serbia and world number two Novak Djokovic in the final.
With De Minaur needing to win to keep Australia alive in the ATP Cup after Nick Kyrgios was defeated in the opening match, he produced the perfect start, breaking Nadal in the opening game to take a quick 2-0 lead.
The 20-year-old would continue to take it to the world number one, beating him at his own game to play some incredible shots as he maintained control over the first set.
SHOT OF THE TOURNAMENT CONTENDER!
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 11, 2020
This is ridiculous from the Demon!
WATCH: @Channel9
STREAM: https://t.co/5bsqpECkOf#9WWOS #ATPCup pic.twitter.com/r6emTtmDWk
When you hit a shot this good, even the World No.1 stands and applauds.@alexdeminaur | #ATPCup | #AUSESP pic.twitter.com/FccbGnLDND
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 11, 2020
De Minaur handled his nerves and would serve it out to take the first set 6-4, igniting the Sydney crowd.
No need to panic... the Demon just took the first set against Rafa. Slowly, and calmly, switch your TV set to @Channel9. If it's on Channel 9, don't touch a thing.
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 11, 2020
STREAM: https://t.co/5bsqpECkOf#9WWOS #ATPCup pic.twitter.com/0ZGNLyvxqg
It’s hard to put into words how loud this crowd is at Ken Rosewall Arena cheering for Alex De Minaur over Rafael Nadal.
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) January 11, 2020
So here’s a video: #ATPCup #TeamAustralia pic.twitter.com/5KMmtKo3aa
Nadal would fight his way back into the contest, with both men refusing to waver on serve during the second set.
The 19-time grand slam champion's experience eventually shone through, taking advantage of his first break point opportunity to take the second set 7-5.
This was the turning point in the contest, with Nadal taking the first three games of the final set to take control of the match.
We're exhausted after just watching this rally.
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 11, 2020
WATCH: @Channel9
STREAM: https://t.co/5bsqpECkOf#9WWOS #ATPCup pic.twitter.com/ClGtXB8XhH
De Minaur would continue to fight, breaking the Spaniard's serve in the fifth game.
However, it was unfortunately in vain, with Nadal immediately hitting back to seal the final set 6-1.
It now sets up a thrilling final on Sunday, with the top two players in the world set to battle it out to claim the inaugural ATP Cup final