Argentina Upsets Host Australia at United Cup Despite De Minaur’s Triumph
In an unexpected turn of events at the United Cup, host nation Australia was defeated 2-1 by Argentina in Group F action on Saturday, despite a commanding performance by Alex de Minaur. The World No. 9 showcased his prowess, delivering a resounding 6-1, 6-4 victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry to secure his first win of the season and level the tie after an early setback.
Earlier in the day, Australia’s Olivia Gadecki faced a tough challenge against Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska. Gadecki struggled to find her rhythm at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, falling 6-2, 6-4 in the opening women’s singles rubber. The pressure then shifted to the mixed doubles, the deciding match of the tie.
In the mixed doubles showdown, Etcheverry returned to the court alongside Maria Carle for Argentina, facing Australia’s duo of Matt Ebden and Ellen Perez. The Argentine pair proved formidable, sealing the overall victory for their team with a decisive 6-2, 6-4 win, much to the disappointment of the home crowd.
Switzerland Edges France in Group D Thriller
Meanwhile, over in Group D, former Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic led Switzerland to a narrow 2-1 victory over France. Bencic, making her return to Tour-level competition since the 2023 US Open, displayed exceptional form. The 27-year-old, a former World No. 4 now ranked 487th, dominated Chloe Paquet with a 6-3, 6-1 win, capturing 10 of the last 11 games.
However, Switzerland’s Dominic Stricker faced defeat in the men’s singles clash, losing 6-3, 7-5 to Ugo Humbert, which set the stage for a decisive mixed doubles match. Rising to the occasion, Bencic teamed up with Stricker to overcome France’s Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Elixane Lechemia 6-1, 7-6(4), clinching the overall victory for Switzerland.
Canada Triumphs Over Croatia in Group A
In Group A competition held in Perth, Canada secured a 2-1 win against Croatia after a dramatic series of matches. Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist, gave Canada an early lead by defeating Donna Vekic 6-4, 6-3. However, teammate Felix Auger-Aliassime stumbled in his singles rubber, succumbing to Borna Coric 0-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The tie culminated in a mixed doubles face-off, where Auger-Aliassime redeemed himself by partnering with Fernandez. The Canadian pair displayed excellent chemistry on court, defeating Croatia’s Lucija Ciric Bagaric and Ivan Dodig 6-3, 6-4, and securing the overall victory for Canada.
The United Cup continues to deliver thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes, highlighting the depth of talent across the participating nations. Fans around the world eagerly anticipate the upcoming ties as the tournament progresses.
Reference(s):
De Minaur wins but host Australia falls to Argentina at United Cup
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