Australia’s Alex de Minaur delivered a commanding performance against Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry, winning 6-1, 6-4 to claim his first victory of the season at the United Cup on Saturday. Despite his efforts, host nation Australia was edged out 2-1 by Argentina in a gripping Group F encounter at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.
De Minaur, currently ranked world No.9, showcased his dominance on the court, leveling the tie after teammate Olivia Gadecki suffered a 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Nadia Podoroska in the opening women’s singles match. “It’s always special to play at home, and starting the season with a win is a great feeling,” said de Minaur.
The decisive mixed doubles match saw Etcheverry return to the court alongside Maria Carle to face Australia’s Matt Ebden and Ellen Perez. The Argentine duo secured a 6-2, 6-4 victory, sealing Argentina’s overall win against the hosts.
In Group D action, Switzerland narrowly defeated France 2-1, thanks to a stellar performance by former Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic. The 27-year-old, who won her first Tour-level match since the 2023 US Open, overpowered Chloe Paquet 6-3, 6-1, winning 10 of the last 11 games. “It’s a confidence boost to start the year strong,” Bencic commented.
Her teammate Dominic Stricker fell 6-3, 7-5 to Ugo Humbert in the men’s singles, pushing the tie to a mixed doubles decider. Bencic and Stricker then teamed up to defeat Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Elixane Lechemia 6-1, 7-6(4), clinching victory for Switzerland.
Over in Perth’s Group A, Canada mounted a comeback to defeat Croatia 2-1 after Felix Auger-Aliassime was upset by Borna Coric 0-6, 6-4, 6-4. Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist, gave Canada an early lead with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 win over Donna Vekic. The Canadian pair of Auger-Aliassime and Fernandez secured the tie with a 6-3, 6-4 mixed doubles triumph over Lucija Ciric Bagaric and Ivan Dodig.
The United Cup continues to showcase thrilling tennis action as nations compete for early season momentum.
Reference(s):
De Minaur wins but host Australia falls to Argentina at United Cup
cgtn.com
