PARIS : Australia and Argentina rallied to level their Davis Cup semi-finals while superstars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were trying to keep their countries afloat.
Bernard Tomic saw off Great Britain’s Dan Evans 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 to pull 28-time champions Australia level in Glasgow after world number three Andy Murray had cruised past Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-3, 6-0, 6-3.
In Brussels, Argentina’s world number 39 Leonardo Mayer beat Steve Darcis 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/1), 4-6, 6-3 after David Goffin, the world number 15, had seen off Federico Delbonis 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) 6-3 to give Belgium the lead.
Britain are playing in their first semi-final in 34 years and have been without a Davis Cup title since 1936.
They may now be tempted to use Andy Murray in Saturday’s doubles alongside big brother Jamie against Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth.
“It isn’t my decision. It’s up to the captain to decide that,” said Murray.
Hewitt, bidding to take Australia back to the final for the first time since 2003 before he retires in January, said Saturday will be key.
“The doubles could decide the semi-final,” said the former world number one.
Belgium are bidding to reach the final for the first time since 1904 while their last semi-final run before this year was in 1999.
Argentina are also yet to win a Davis Cup, having been runners-up on three occasions.
On Saturday, Ruben Bemelmans and Kimmer Coppejans for the home side will face Carlos Berlocq and Diego Schwartzman in the doubles.
“My opponent left nothing out there,” said Goffin after his win over Delbonis.
“It was a difficult match but I came through in straight sets and I stayed tough mentally.” MORE (AGENCIES)
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