Raphael Collignon stunned world number eight Alex De Minaur on Saturday, securing his biggest career win as Belgium gained a 2-0 advantage over Australia in their Davis Cup second round qualifier.

The 23-year-old, ranked 91, overcame severe cramping at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney for a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory after an intense 3-hour-12-minute match. Belgium’s number one, Zizou Bergs, defeated Jordan Thompson 7-6, 6-4 in the other singles rubber. This results in 28-time champions Australia needing to win both the reverse singles and doubles on Sunday to stay in the tournament.

Collignon’s previous career highlight was a triumph over world number 12 Casper Ruud during the recent US Open, reaching the third round. Beating Alex De Minaur was a significant achievement in his career.

“It feels amazing, I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish the match because I got cramp so bad at the beginning of the third,” said Collignon. “I tried to go for it, focus on the serve and I don’t know how I won. I think when you play for your country there is no pain… I am very happy.”

After Collignon took the first set, De Minaur bounced back by scoring 10 consecutive points in the second set. Although Collignon struggled with cramping at the start of the third set, he persevered, giving Belgium an unexpected edge.

“It feels great for the team,” stated Bergs. “We did a great job today, but we are far from the end.”