Host Nation Falls Short Despite De Minaur's Heroics
Alex de Minaur kicked off 2024 with a dominant 6-1, 6-4 victory over Argentina's Tomás Martín Etcheverry at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena, but Team Australia couldn't clinch the win in Saturday's United Cup clash. Olivia Gadecki's earlier loss to Nadia Podoroska set up a dramatic mixed doubles showdown, where Etcheverry and María Carlé outplayed Aussie duo Matt Ebden/Ellen Perez 6-2, 6-4 to seal Argentina's 2-1 upset.
Swiss Precision & Canadian Resilience Shine
In Perth, Switzerland's Belinda Bencic proved she's still got despite her No. 487 ranking, crushing France's Chloé Paquet 6-3, 6-1. After teammate Dominic Stricker fell to Ugo Humbert, Bencic returned to secure a 6-1, 7-6(4) mixed doubles win with Stricker. Meanwhile, Canada bounced back from Félix Auger-Aliassime's singles loss as the 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez partnered with him for a decisive 6-3, 6-4 doubles victory against Croatia.
What's Next?
The United Cup continues to deliver edge-of-the-seat action as national teams battle for group stage supremacy. With young stars rising to challenges and veterans proving their mettle, this tournament is shaping up to be a must-watch for tennis fans!
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despite her No. 487 ranking, crushing France's Chloé Paquet 6-3, 6-1. After teammate Dominic Stricker fell to Ugo Humbert, Bencic returned to secure a 6-1, 7-6(4) mixed doubles win with Stricker. Meanwhile, Canada bounced back from Félix Auger-Aliassime's singles loss as the 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez partnered with him for a decisive 6-3, 6-4 doubles victory against Croatia. 
