In a thrilling start to the season, Argentina upset host nation Australia 2-1 in Group F at the United Cup on Saturday, despite a commanding win from Alex de Minaur. The World No. 9 showcased his prowess at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, cruising past Tomas Martin Etcheverry with a decisive 6-1, 6-4 victory.
De Minaur’s triumph leveled the tie after teammate Olivia Gadecki fell 6-2, 6-4 to Nadia Podoroska in the opening women’s singles rubber. With the stakes high, the mixed doubles match became the decider. Etcheverry returned to the court alongside Maria Carle, and the Argentine duo overcame Australia’s Matt Ebden and Ellen Perez 6-2, 6-4, sealing the overall victory for Argentina.
Meanwhile, in Group D, Switzerland edged out France 2-1, thanks in part to former Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic. Playing her first Tour-level match since the 2023 US Open, the 27-year-old, who has dropped to World No. 487, dominated Chloe Paquet 6-3, 6-1, winning 10 of the last 11 games. Though teammate Dominic Stricker was defeated 6-3, 7-5 by Ugo Humbert, Bencic and Stricker teamed up in the mixed doubles to clinch victory, defeating Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Elixane Lechemia 6-1, 7-6(4).
Group A action in Perth saw Canada rebound to defeat Croatia 2-1 after an initial setback. Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist, gave Canada an early lead by dispatching Donna Vekic 6-4, 6-3. However, Felix Auger-Aliassime struggled against Borna Coric, losing 0-6, 6-4, 6-4. The Canadian duo of Auger-Aliassime and Fernandez regrouped for the mixed doubles, securing the tie with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Lucija Ciric Bagaric and Ivan Dodig.
The opening matches of the United Cup have set an exciting tone for the season, with upsets and comebacks showcasing the depth of talent across the participating nations.
Reference(s):
De Minaur wins but host Australia falls to Argentina at United Cup
cgtn.com
