United Cup: Iga Swiatek stars in Poland win over Spain, Great Britain eliminated after Australia beat USA
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Updated 01/01/2024 at 18:59 GMT
Poland secured top spot in Group A of the United Cup following a battling win over Spain. Hubert Hurkacz teamed up with Iga Swiatek in a doubles decider and they saw off Sara Sorribes Tormo and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in style by winning both sets to love. Meanwhile, Great Britain finished third in Group C and were eliminated after Australia sealed qualifcation from with a 2-1 over the USA.
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Iga Swiatek had a penchant for a bagel in 2023 and her hunger for them seems as strong as ever in 2024 as she claimed a pair of them in doubles alongside Hubert Hurkacz to lead Poland to victory over Spain at the United Cup.
The Polish pair claimed victory over Brazil on Saturday, but were pushed far harder by Spain.
Hurkacz fell to defeat to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who secured a 3-6 6-3 6-4 success to put pressure on women’s world No. 1 Swiatek.
But she did not let her team down, claiming a 6-2 6-1 win over Sara Sorribes Tormo to set up a decider in the doubles.
As the four players from the singles came together, any hopes of a Spain win were ruthlessly snuffed out by the Polish duo, who claimed a 6-0 6-0 victory.
The victory cemented Poland’s position at the top of Group A.
Ruud stars in Norway win
Casper Ruud helped Norway secure a 2-1 win over Croatia.
After seeing team-mate Malene Helgo fall to defeat to Donna Vekic, Ruud stepped up and claimed victory over Borna Coric for the loss of five games.
That 6-4 6-1 win set up a doubles decider, and Ruud and Ulrikke Eikeri won a tie-break 10-7 to move top of Group F.
Netherlands face Croatia in the final match of the group knowing a win will take them through.
France edge out Germany
France emerged victorious in a tough battle with Germany.
Alexander Zverev beat Adrian Mannarino, but France forced a decider in the doubles after Caroline Garcia rallied from a set down to beat Angelique Kerber 1-6 6-2 6-2.
Garcia then teamed up with Edouard Roger-Vasselin to beat Kerber and Zverev 12-10 in a tie-break.
"Crazy match, crazy end. So happy we got through," Roger-Vasselin said. "We had two match points and they saved them with good shots. But really happy. Thanks for the crowd, for the French crowd who stayed that late. I don't know what time it is, but I think it's quite late."
France face Italy on Wednesday knowing a win will take them into the quarter-finals.
Australia take top spot in Group C, Great Britain eliminated
Australia claimed a 2-1 win over United States to take top spot in Group C and a place in the quarter-finals.
Storm Hunter and Matthew Ebden combined to beat Jessica Pegula and Rajeev Ram 6-3 6-1 in a doubles decider.
"This means everything," Hunter said. "It is a dream come true. Playing in front of the home crowd and playing with Matty, a Perth local, it is a dream come true to win and go into the quarter-finals at home."
All three sides in Group C - Great Britain were the other team - finished with the same win/loss record and match record, with Australia taking top spot due to a better sets-won record.
Australia's wins means Great Britain finished third in a very tight group, while the United States will have to wait and see if they have done enough to qualify as one of the best runners-up.
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