Alex de Minaur and Nick Kyrgios won a dramatic doubles match to send Australia through ©Getty Images

Australia's doubles pairing Nick Kyrgios and Alex de Minaur won a marathon champions tiebreak to defeat Britain and reach the semi-finals of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Cup in Sydney.

The host nation won today's last-eight clash 2-1, after Kyrgios and De Minaur's dramatic 3-6, 6-3, 18-16 victory over Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury. 

Amid high drama at the Ken Rosewall Arena, Britain's pair squandered four match points which would have sent them to the semi-finals at the hosts' expense.

Australia wasted four match points of their own before Salisbury missed a backhand return, although even then the celebrations were placed on hold.

Britain challenged the ruling, but it was confirmed out and Kyrgios and De Minaur collapsed on court in delight.

Kyrgios then carried his partner around the arena on his shoulders.

"It was unreal," Kyrgios said.

"The adrenaline has kind of worn off and I'm exhausted after that match - it was awesome.

"Today was probably one of the best moments in my career, definitely. 

"Just making it through to the semi-final, the first-ever ATP Cup in that type of fashion, was pretty special

"We genuinely care for each other, and [our team mates] were genuinely just so ecstatic to get through." 

The singles matches were shared, with Kyrgios putting the hosts in command after beating Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-2.

Daniil Medvedev was victorious as Russia knocked out Argentina ©Getty Images
Daniil Medvedev was victorious as Russia knocked out Argentina ©Getty Images

Dan Evans levelled things by beating De Minaur 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, before Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt opted to send both of his singles players into action again.

It could have been different, but Murray fluffed an easy backhand on Britain's second match point.

Russia had an easier time of it in today's other quarter-final, rolling past Argentina 3-0.

Karen Khachanov defeated Guido Pella 6-2, 7-6 and Daniil Medvedev made the match safe by dispatching Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

In the doubles, Teymuraz Gabashvili and Konstantin Kravchuk saw off Máximo González and Andrés Molteni 7-6, 6-4.

"We did our job," Medvedev said. 

"All the matches were won in singles, which is amazing, and I think only Spain did the same so far.

"Hopefully we can go all the way, but I'm really happy with the way ATP Cup is going for Team Russia." 

Tomorrow's remaining quarter-finals will see Spain face Belgium for the right to meet Australia, with Serbia taking on Canada to book a clash with Russia.

The inaugural men's team tournament is viewed as a rival to the revamped Davis Cup, held for the first time as one 18-team competition in November.

It is taking place in Australia amid the bushfire crisis which has devastated much of the country, with many players and the ATP donating to the cause.