Switzerland defeated Argentina on Wednesday in Perth in the quarter-final of the United Cup (2-1). Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul won the decisive doubles against the Argentine pair.
KEYSTONE
Saint-Galloise and Grison, who had already signed two double victories against France and Italy during the group stage, did not tremble to dismiss Maria Lourdes Carle and Guido Andreozzi. The Swiss pair won in two sets, 6-3 6-3.
A little earlier, Belinda Bencic (WTA 11) had fulfilled her mission in the first singles by beating Solana Sierra (WTA 66). Saint-Galloise easily disposed of the young Argentine (21 years old), whom she had never faced before, winning 6-2 6-2. However, she had to work just after stealing her opponent’s service in the first set to save three break points.
A little too much for Stan
Stan Wawrinka (ATP 156) had to admit defeat against Sebastian Baez (ATP 43). The 40-year-old Vaudois, who will retire at the end of the season, was not unworthy, but ultimately bowed to the clay court specialist, winner 7-5 6-4.
His two three-hour matches played this weekend – victory against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, defeat against Italian Flavio Cobolli – may have weighed in the balance. The former world No. 3 can still regret the loss of his faceoff at 5-5 in the first set, and the two missed opportunities to snatch a tie-break in the following game.
Qualified for the last four, Switzerland is now waiting to know its next opponent, in this competition which it won twice (2016-2017) when it was still called Hopman Cup. She will face the Czech Republic of Barbora Krejcikova and Jakub Mensik, or Belgium of Elise Mertens and Zizou Bergs on Saturday in Sydney.
Worth a look
