Australia’s United Cup hopes come down to mixed doubles

Justin Chadwick | January 2, 2024

Alex de Minaur has kicked off 2024 with a crushing 6-4 6-2 win over world No.10 Taylor Fritz, but Australia’s hopes of reaching the United Cup quarter-finals hinge on the mixed doubles after Ajla Tomljanovic lost in the women’s singles.

De Minaur broke Fritz in the first game of Monday night’s match, and was relentless from that point on as he wrapped up victory in just 89 minutes to give Australia a 1-0 lead over defending champions, Team USA.

But world No.5 Jessica Pegula levelled the tie after defeating  Tomljanovic 7-6 (8-6) 6-3.

It means Australia must now win the deciding mixed doubles in straight sets in order to pip the US for a spot in the quarter-finals.

The US only need to win a single set in the mixed doubles to qualify themselves.

De Minaur drove Fritz mad throughout his dominant win, with frustration getting the better of the American.

The 26-year-old threw his racquet across the court in disgust early in the second set after de Minaur pulled off a crazy winner to secure a crucial break.

On another occasion, Fritz rested his head on the net in defeat following yet another sizzling winner from de Minaur.

“Today was a little bit of a new year, new me type of thing,” de Minaur said.

“It worked out well. I was in a great head space. I played the type of tennis I wanted to play, so I’m very happy with that.

“I’ve played Taylor plenty of times. He’s got some explosive firepower, and you have to try to not to let him dictate play.

“I tried to be aggressive. I was able to execute. I’m very happy with that.”

Fritz was a hero of America’s United Cup triumph last summer, recording four wins from his five singles matches, including impressive triumphs over grand slam finalists Alexander Zverev and Matteo Berrettini.

But he was simply no match against de Minaur, who registered 28 winners to 19 in the rout.

De Minaur secured victory with his third match point, producing a deft drop shot to seal the deal.

His on-court movement throughout the match was superb, and his sliced backhand also proved to be a major weapon.

“I’m just trying to show out there that I can do a lot more things than just run side to side,” de Minaur said.

“I’ve got a couple of things up my pocket. I have to try to bring them out more.”

Returning star Tomljanovic was broken early in the women’s singles encounter, but she rebounded strongly and was on the cusp of winning the first set.

Pegula kept her nerve to fend off three set points, and she took her own chances when they presented by converting four of her six break-point chances for the match.

In contrast, Tomljanovic only converted three of 11 break-point opportunities.

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