Spain proved to be the stronger tennis nation in the opening tie of the 2024 United Cup, beating Brazil despite heroics from Beatriz Haddad Maia.
The Brazilian woman, ranked no. 11 on the WTA Tour, was the highest-ranked player in the tie between Spain and Brazil, so it was not a surprise that her country relied on her.
That became true, especially after the men's singles match of the tie. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina showed his undeniable qualities, beating Thiago Seyboth Wild in two comfortable sets, 6-4, 6-0.
After that, Haddad Maia stepped onto the court in an attempt to level the score of the tie. She played Sara Sorribes Tormo, and despite having a one-break advantage twice in the first set, she had to fight in the tie-break.
Eventually, the Brazilian won the opening-set tie-break 7-1, and after that, she cruised towards the win, winning the match 7-6(1), 6-2 to force the mixed doubles match to decide the opening tie of the 2024 United Cup.
While Spain elected to play their singles specialists Davidovich Fokina and Sorribes Tormo, Brazil opted to pair Haddad Maia with doubles specialist Marcelo Melo.
However, the Spanish team was better in the mixed doubles match, and despite attempting a fight-back, the Brazilians just couldn't match their opponent's qualities in this match.
Davidovich Fokina and Sorribes Tormo won the match 6-4, 7-5, securing the tie for Spain and getting the first win of the new season at the 2024 United Cup.
Up next at the exciting team tournament, host nation Australia will take on Great Britain, as fans will be waiting to see whether Alex de Minaur takes on Katie Boulter in a mixed doubles match.
Brazil and Spain will end their group-stage matches by facing Poland, one of the favourites with Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz in their team.
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