AP
PERTH, Australia (AP) — Kati Boulter and Cameron Norrie helped Great Britain beat hosts Australia 2-1 on Friday’s opening day of the United Cup, while Spain edged Brazil 2-2 in the mixed doubles final. I broke it with 1.
Mixed teams from 18 countries are playing in Perth and Sydney as a prelude to the Australian Open. The format is men’s and women’s singles and mixed doubles.
Boulter defeated Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2, 6-4 in the Group C opener in Perth, giving Great Britain a decisive 2-0 lead. Norrie silenced the packed home crowd earlier by defeating Alex de Minaur 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (2).
“I had to really dig deep and play very brave in that third set,” Nolley said. “It’s always tough playing Alex. He’s a good friend of mine and we fight all the time. I knew I had to run a lot, but I did. It was a great atmosphere.”
Others are also reading…
Matthew Ebden and Storm Hunter gave Australia a repechage in mixed doubles against Boulter and Neil Skupski.
Spain’s Alejandro Davidovic Fokina and Sara Sorribes Tormo beat Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia and Marcelo Melo 6-4, 7-5 in mixed doubles in the opening Group A match in Perth. won the victory.
Davidovic Fokina defeated Thiago Sabos Wilde 6-4, 6-0, before Haddad Maia beat Sorribes Tormo 7-6(1), 6-2.
Women’s number one Iga Swiatek represents Poland, while men’s number one Novak Djokovic represents Serbia.
Serbia will play China in Perth on Sunday and the Czech Republic in the group stage on Tuesday, with Djokovic set to play singles against world No. 58 Zhang Zhizhen and No. 31 Jiri Lehecka.
Djokovic won three Grand Slam singles titles this year, but only missed Wimbledon. He is preparing for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title.
Upon arriving in Perth, he reiterated that he had no intention of retiring.
“To be honest, I hope this isn’t the last time. I mean, I always look forward to coming back to Australia,” Djokovic said. “I’ve always felt like I’ve played my best tennis (here) over the years, and I’ve had great support.”
Djokovic last visited Perth in 2013 to play in the Hopman Cup.
“I remember always having great crowds when we played in Perth. It’s common in Australia that people love tennis and love the sport,” he said. May it be great for all of us. ”
AP Tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.