The surprise withdrawal of Nick Kyrgios has not stopped Australia gaining sweet revenge and claiming victory in their ATP Cup tie against Canada in Brisbane.
Alex de Minaur came back from a set and a break down on Sunday to defeat world No.15 Denis Shapovalov 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 6-2 in three hours, giving the hosts an unbeatable 2-0 lead.
Earlier, hometown hero John Millman stepped up after Kyrgios pulled out with a back complaint to down world No.21 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 6-2 at Pat Rafter Arena.
An undefeated Australia will qualify for the finals in Sydney as the Group F winners if Germany beat Greece later on Sunday.
Australia managed to get some payback after Canada bounced them out of the Davis Cup quarter-finals in November in Spain.
But the initial signs were ominous for the hosts.
Kyrgios also pulled out of Australia’s last meeting with Canada in the Davis Cup clash in Madrid due to a recurring collarbone injury.
Australia were bundled out 2-1 after Millman, Kyrgios’s replacement, went down in his singles rubber.
However, pumped up world No.48 Millman on Sunday stood tall before de Minaur delivered a typically gritty victory.
World No.18 de Minaur appeared down and out, trailing 7-6 4-2, before rattling off six-consecutive games to lead 2-0 in the deciding set.
He didn’t look back, celebrating his win with a jig after extending his career head-to-head record over the Canadian to 2-0.
There might be more good news to come out of the Australian camp.
It appears the withdrawal of Kyrgios had been precautionary, with the Australian No.2 mingling with the team before taking a seat courtside to cheer on his teammates at Pat Rafter Arena.
Australia next take on Greece on Tuesday.