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Brussels: Nick Kyrgios has fought back to keep Australia's Davis Cup hopes alive after seeing off a determined Steve Darcis in a five-set thriller in Brussels.
Kyrgios won 6-3 4-6 6-7 (7-5) 6-1 6-2 against the wily world No.70 who had looked set to inflict more misery on Australia – seven years after relegating the 28-time champions from the World Group.
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The controversial Canberran stirred up the home fans by cupping his ear to them after taking the lead, a move that only seemed to inspire Darcis, who was playing in his 21st tie for his country.
Belgium had drawn first blood when Goffin prevailed over Millman 6-7 (7-4) 6-4 6-3 7-5 in a three-and-a-half hour marathon to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the Palais 12 arena.
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The world No.12 has now won 14 of his last 15 Davis Cup singles matches, but he was made to work hard for his victory by the 185th-ranked Queenslander, who was only called into the team by captain Lleyton Hewitt on Thursday.
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Australia's Nick Kyrgios during his five-set thriller with Belgium's Steve Darcis. Photo: AP
He was well placed to win the second but unable to convert four break points at 4-4 and Goffin seized the initiative on Millman's serve to level the match at a set apiece.
Goffin broke again midway through the third set on his way to opening up a two sets to one lead and looked to be edging towards victory with an early break in the fourth.
Belgium's David Goffin after beating Australia's John Millman during the first rubber of the Davis Cup semi-final in Brussels on Friday. Photo: AP
However, the 28-year-old Millman demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit to break back immediately only to surrender his serve in the next game, before once again levelling the scores at 3-3.
Millman had another break point at 4-3 but was unable to convert. Goffin broke Millman for a 6-5 lead and ultimately served out the match.