Behind singles wins by Lleyton Hewitt and Carsten Ball, Australia shut out Japan 5-0 in the Euro-Africa Group Two second-round Davis Cup playoffs in Brisbane. Ball, who was born in Southern California to an American mother and Australian father, elected to represent Australia as his father, Syd, a native Australian, once did. Carsten and Syd became the first father and son duo in Australian tennis history to have each played a live singles Davis Cup rubber.
"It was a time in his life and his career that he needs to shoulder responsibility and prove how good he is—he took a few good steps this weekend," Australia captain John Fitzgerald told the Aussie press of the 22-year-old Ball.
In September, Australia will attempt to get back into the World Group against a yet to be determined foe.—M.C.
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