In a thrilling start to the United Cup, Alex de Minaur delivered a commanding performance to defeat Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-1, 6-4, securing his first win of the season. However, the host nation’s hopes were dashed as Australia succumbed to Argentina 2-1 in Group F at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena on Saturday.
The World No. 9 showcased his prowess on the court, leveling the tie after teammate Olivia Gadecki fell 6-2, 6-4 to Nadia Podoroska in the opening women’s singles match. Despite de Minaur’s impressive victory igniting the home crowd, the momentum shifted in the decisive mixed doubles encounter.
Etcheverry returned alongside María Carlé to face Australia’s Matt Ebden and Ellen Perez. The Argentine duo dominated the match, securing a 6-2, 6-4 win and sealing the overall victory for Argentina.
In Group D action, former Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic led Switzerland to a narrow 2-1 triumph over France. Marking her first Tour-level win since the 2023 US Open, Bencic overpowered Chloé Paquet 6-3, 6-1, winning 10 of the last 11 games. Although teammate Dominic Stricker fell to Ugo Humbert 6-3, 7-5, the Swiss pair regrouped in the mixed doubles. Bencic and Stricker edged past Édouard Roger-Vasselin and Elixane Lechemia 6-1, 7-6(4), clinching the victory.
Meanwhile, in Group A in Perth, Canada rallied to defeat Croatia 2-1 despite an early setback. Leylah Fernandez set the pace with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 win over Donna Vekić. However, Félix Auger-Aliassime stumbled against Borna Ćorić, losing 0-6, 6-4, 6-4. The Canadian duo bounced back in the mixed doubles, where Auger-Aliassime and Fernandez defeated Lucija Ćirić Bagarić and Ivan Dodig 6-3, 6-4, securing the overall win for Canada.
These early results highlight the intense competition at the United Cup, setting the stage for an exciting tennis season ahead. Fans around the globe eagerly await the next matches as teams battle for supremacy.
Reference(s):
De Minaur wins but host Australia falls to Argentina at United Cup
cgtn.com
