Jordan Thompson caused an upset as Australia came out on top on the first day of their Davis Cup quarter-final against the United States.
The competition's two most successful nations went head to head at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane and under the guidance of team captain Lleyton Hewitt, 22-year-old Thompson, ranked 79th in the world, claimed a 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7/4) 6-4 win over Jack Sock.
Sock, 64 places above his opponent in the rankings, went into the match in good form having reached the semi-finals at Indian Wells last month.
But Thompson, who made his Davis Cup debut against the Czech Republic earlier this year, battled to victory in four sets to put Australia 1-0 up.
"There is no greater honour," Thompson said after the match.
"(I tried to) play within myself, not try to hit it too big, because that is not really my style."
Nick Kyrgios was up against fellow big server John Isner in the day's second match-up and the controversial Australian claimed only his second Davis Cup rubber win in straight sets 7-5 7-6 (7/5) 7-5 to give the hosts a surprise 2-0 lead.
The last time the two met was in the final of the Atlanta Open in 2016 where Kyrgios was the 7-6 7-6 winner on that occasion, and this was equally tight.
Following the win, Kyrgios said: "That was a lot of fun. The crowd was unbelievable. Hopefully, we can close it out tomorrow."
Australia are seeking revenge after losing t o the USA in the first round last year and would progress to the semi-finals for only the second time since 2006 if Sam Groth and John Peers can wrap things up against Steve Johnson and Sam Querrey on Saturday.
Source: PA
