Tennis news - Australia edge Spain to set up Germany showdown
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Updated 02/01/2019 at 17:01 GMT
Ashleigh Barty and Matthew Ebden defeated Garbine Muguruza and David Ferrer 3-4(3), 4-3, 4-3(3) to help Australia beat Spain 2-1 at the Hopman Cup on Wednesday.
Matt Ebden and Ash Barty of Australia celebrate winning the mixed doubles match against David Ferrer and Garbine Muguruza of Spain during day five of the 2019 Hopman Cup at RAC Arena on January 02, 2019 in Perth, Australia.
Image credit: Getty Images
Having lost their opening match to Germany 3-0 Spain knew they had to win against the hosts but got off to the worst possible start when Muguruza lost to Barty in straight sets 6-3 6-4.
That left Ferrer needing to beat Ebden for the Spanish to have any chance of qualifying for the next round and after a nervy opening set he took the lead winning 7-1 in the tie break.
He then took the second set 7-5 to set up a decider in the doubles.
Muguruza and Ferrer won the opening set but roared on by the home crowd Barty and Ebden responded to give Australia their second win the tournament.
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Highlights: Barty and Ebden v Muguruza and Ferrer
After such an impressive day for Barty Ebden was quick to pay tribute to her in the post-match interview.
"She carried me tonight." Ebden said. "I was busting my butt to try and win this one so we could do her justice after a great singles win and get through to a live tie on Friday so just glad I could help her out in the doubles."
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Barty and Ebden: It's all to play for on Friday!
The victory means that Australia go level with Germany in Group A on two wins.
The two countries meet on Friday and the winner will go through to the final.
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