In a thrilling start to the United Cup, Australia’s Alex de Minaur delivered a commanding performance, defeating Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-1, 6-4 in Sydney on Saturday. Despite de Minaur’s impressive victory, host nation Australia fell to Argentina 2-1 in Group F.
The tie began with Australia’s Olivia Gadecki facing Nadia Podoroska. Gadecki struggled against the Argentine, succumbing 6-2, 6-4 in the opening women’s singles match at the Ken Rosewall Arena. De Minaur’s subsequent win leveled the score, setting the stage for a decisive mixed doubles showdown.
Returning to the court, Etcheverry partnered with Maria Carle to take on Australia’s Matt Ebden and Ellen Perez. The Argentine duo proved too strong, securing a 6-2, 6-4 victory and clinching the tie for Argentina.
Meanwhile, in Group D action, Switzerland edged past France 2-1, thanks in part to former Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic. Bencic showcased her skill in her first Tour-level match since the 2023 US Open, defeating Chloe Paquet 6-3, 6-1. Although teammate Dominic Stricker fell to Ugo Humbert 6-3, 7-5, Bencic and Stricker joined forces in the mixed doubles. The Swiss pair overcame Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Elixane Lechemia 6-1, 7-6(4) to secure the overall win.
In Perth’s Group A, Canada mounted a comeback against Croatia to win 2-1. Leylah Fernandez set the tone with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 victory over Donna Vekic. However, Felix Auger-Aliassime faced a tough challenge, losing to Borna Coric 0-6, 6-4, 6-4. The Canadian duo of Auger-Aliassime and Fernandez rallied in the mixed doubles, defeating Lucija Ciric Bagaric and Ivan Dodig 6-3, 6-4 to seal the triumph for Canada.
The United Cup continues to captivate tennis enthusiasts worldwide, as teams battle for dominance in this prestigious mixed-gender tournament.
Reference(s):
De Minaur wins but host Australia falls to Argentina at United Cup
cgtn.com
