The equation is simple for Australia, win today in the doubles and the Davis Cup team is back in the World Group in 2015. Join The Roar for a live blog of the doubles match between Australia and Uzbekistan from 2:00pm (AEST).
Yesterday, Nick Kyrgios and Lleyton Hewitt put Australia in a perfect position for victory in the tie, after winning both singles matches on the grass court in Perth.
Nick Kyrgios defeated Denis Istomin 6-4 7-5 6-4 in an impressive performance as his opponent struggled with a hip injury for the last set and a half.
Hewitt then gave Australia a 2-0 lead with a 6-4 6-4 6-2 win over Farrukh Dustov.
The rubbers yesterday provide Australia with a chance of winning the tie today and make Sunday’s singles matches dead rubbers. The rubber wins also asked questions as to who will play in the doubles as well.
For Australia it is all about either resting or playing Lleyton Hewitt.
For Uzbekistan it is all about making sure Denis Istomin is fit for the doubles.
With the way he was moving towards the end of the match, it will be hard for Istomin to be fit for today’s doubles match.
That doesn’t mean he won’t play, and Uzbekistan may take the risk to play him, in this all important match.
If Istomin is out, then either Temur Ismailov, or Sanjar Fayziev, will replace him.
Both are ranked 1,856 in the world in doubles.
Neither player has played in a live match, or a doubles match, in the Davis Cup before.
Losing Istomin would be huge for Uzbekistan.
Australia, on the other hand, has the luxury of potentially resting Hewitt for the important clash.
With Sam Groth in the team, and being ranked higher than Hewitt in doubles, he could comfortably replace the South Australian and compete with Chris Guccione.
The only thing Groth doesn’t have is experience in the Davis Cup.
This tie is his debut in the Davis Cup and that would be the only thing worrying Rafter as he decides who to unleash with Guccione in the doubles rubber.
When it comes to Guccione both players have experience playing doubles with him. Hewitt and Guccione are 5 wins and 1 loss in doubles matches at the Davis Cup.
They also combined for the doubles title at the ATP event in Newport earlier this year. Groth has also had success with Guccione with the duo winning in Bogota a couple of months ago.
They have also won 5 ATP Challenger titles this year as well.
It will be a tough decision for Rafter to make because both combinations have been successful this year.
It will also depend on how Hewitt feels after yesterday’s match.
The Aussie has struggled to play three straight days of Davis Cup tennis recently and the decision could be made to rest him in preparation for tomorrow.
In relation to the match itself, both combinations, should be too strong for Istomin and Farrukh Dustov.
The Uzbek’s have played in 14 matches together for 7 wins and 7 losses in Davis Cup competition.
In World Group playoff matches they are 0 wins and 2 losses.
The key for Australia is making the duo move around the court. We saw yesterday with the court that players had trouble moving in different directions on the surface.
If they can do that then Australia will win the rubber and the tie.
With the injury to Istomin, and the strength of Australia’s combinations in doubles, I can’t see Australia losing today.
The intrigue is going to come with who Rafter picks to partner Guccione.
Don’t be surprised if the fastest ever server in the world, Sam Groth, makes his debut today for Australia.
PREDICTION: Australia in 4 sets.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
That is all from me in the live blog between Australia and Uzbekistan. Thanks for joining me over the last two days in the blog. I won't be blogging the matches tomorrow as I'll be focusing on the V8 Supercars. It matters little though as Australia are back in the World Group. Until next time it is bye from me.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Tomorrow will see two dead rubbers being played with Australia and Uzbekistan likely to change the players playing in those matches. It matters little as Australia are into the World Group for 2015. The draw for next year will take place next Thursday in Dubai.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Hewitt was brilliant today and the standout player of the four on the court. His returning was exceptional and his volleying was influential. Guccione played well as well and his serve was dominant. Australia were far too good for Uzbekistan.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Australia are into the World Group for 2015. Lleyton Hewitt and Chris Guccione defeat Denis Istomin and Farrukh Dustov 6-3 7-6 6-2 in the third rubber of the Davis Cup tie. Australia now has an unassailable lead in the tie. Australia lead 3-0 and win the contest.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
From 30-15 up on the Uzbekistan serve, Australia win the next two points, to set up a match point.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Guccione holds with ease and Australia lead 5-2. The set, the match, and the tie is almost over. Australia just need one more game.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Australia get the break. Hewitt makes a good return which provides Guccione with an easy winner after Dustov is forced to hit it straight to him. The Aussie lead 4-2 now.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Karma then strikes and Hewitt hits a volley into the net. Australia get another break point though.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Unbelievable luck for Australia. They force the next game to deuce and Guccione then returns a winner which goes over the top of Dustov and is called in. It looks long but it called in. This gives Australia a break point.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Australia hold to love and lead 3-2 in the third set.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Uzbekistan level at 2-2. This set is turning into the second set again. The serve is dominating the match.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Guccione then holds serve with ease and Australia lead 2-1 in the third set.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Uzbekistan hold serve and level at 1-1. Australia do win a point in the game, and it is a cracker. Australia are forced to charge down a huge range of shots, which they do. Hewitt then hits a great forehand which beats Istomin on the left hand side of the court.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Australia go 0-30 down in the opening game of the third set. The green and gold then win the next four points to hold serve. Australia lead 1-0 in the third set.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Hewitt wins the set with another great return. Dustov can't hit the ball back from the return and Australia win the second set. Australia lead 2 sets to love and lead 6-3 7-6 in the match.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Some good hits at the net by Dustov saves the first set point. Australia has another and lead 6-5.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
A good first serve gives Australia two set points.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Istomin wins both points on his serve and Australia lead 5-4 with a mini break. Guccione to serve.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Great volleying by the Australian duo gives them the next point. They lead 5-2 in the tiebreaker.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Australia take the next point on the Hewitt serve. Players are now changing ends.