Jessica Pegula needed to regroup after being upset in her singles match to assist the US defeat Nice Britain of their United Cup tie Sunday in Sydney.
Katie Boulter surprised the fifth-ranked Pegula by rallying from a set right down to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in practically three hours.
The Individuals drew stage when Tenth-ranked Taylor Fritz defeated Cameron Norrie 7-6 (5), 6-4 to pressure a deciding combined doubles match. Pegula and Fritz then mixed for victory over Boulter and Neal Skupski 1-6, 7-6 (4), 10-7 that sealed the tie for the defending champions.
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The Individuals will qualify for the quarterfinals in the event that they win their ultimate match towards Australia. All three groups nonetheless have an opportunity to qualify if Australia beats the U.S. within the ultimate group match.
Novak Djokovic began his United Cup debut on a successful observe because the world No. 1 eased previous China’s Zhang Zhizhen 6-3 6-2 earlier than doubling as much as safe a 2-1 victory for Serbia within the combined workforce match.
Djokovic wasted little time in priming himself for a run at a record-extending eleventh Australian Open title as he dismantled world No. 58 Zhang in 72 minutes at a packed RAC Enviornment.
“It is nice to be again in Perth,” Djokovic stated. “New Yr’s in a couple of hours, so I actually admire you coming to hopefully rejoice New Yr’s Eve with us right here on the court docket. It has been 10 years since I have been in Perth, and this area is certainly one of many nicest, from inside and outdoors, that I’ve performed in.”
Djokovic stated he felt a bit rusty early towards Zhang and a “little bit out of rhythm” due to not taking part in a match for over a month.
“It clearly takes a bit of little bit of time to get the engines going, and he was serving effectively,” Djokovic stated. “I feel the serve was nice on my half. At any time when I wanted to get myself out of hassle, at 15-15 or 30-30 in my service video games, I discovered an excellent serve.”
Zheng Qinwen rolled over Olga Danilovic 6-4, 6-2 to make it 1-1, however Djokovic returned to play with Danilovic within the combined doubles and seal a 6-4, 1-6, 10-6 victory towards Zheng and Zhang.
In different outcomes, 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez led Canada to a 2-1 victory over Chile in its opening United Cup match.
Fernandez defeated Daniela Seguel 6-3, 6-2 earlier than Nicolas Jarry leveled the Group B tie for Chile by beating Steven Diez in straight units. Diez had changed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who was rested with a minor knee subject.
Fernandez and Diez then gained the deciding combined doubles towards Seguel and Tomás Barrios Vera 7-5, 4-6, 10-8 to seal the tie for the Canadians.
“I am extraordinarily pleased with the way in which I performed,” world No. 35 Fernandez stated after her 73-minute win over Seguel. “It wasn’t the best match as a result of it’s my first match of the season, the nerves, however I am extraordinarily pleased with the way in which that I used to be capable of handle it.”
Blended groups from 18 nations are taking part in in Perth and Sydney in what doubles as a warmup for the Australian Open.
The Related Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
