There was no shortage of surprises in the program of matches played on Saturday, December 31 in the United Cup in Australia. Several luxury defeats complicated the plans of some strong nations, Germany and Spain above all, who are in real danger of leaving the competition and not being able to continue fighting to advance to the next phase.
With their first defeat of the season, Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev lost 2-0 in their matches against Great Britain and the Czech Republic respectively. With a win, the British can close out the contest and secure top spot in Group D.
In Perth, the situation was level between Belgium and Bulgaria after the first two individual matches (the next three will, of course, be decisive), while Croatia dominated the clash with Argentina 2-0. Poland, thanks to the contribution of Iga Swiatek, equalized the match against Kazakhstan.
Casper Ruud’s Norway are also in trouble, and will only make their debut against Thiago Monteiro on Sunday to give his nation any hope of a comeback. Italy will rest for the second day in a row before taking the field again against Norway to clinch mathematically first place in Group E.
In Sydney, for Spain, it will be Paula Badosa and Pablo Carreño Busta who will seek the comeback against Great Britain: Dart and Evans they will have match point, given the 2-0 lead after the first two games. In the mixed doubles, Badosa herself and Rafael Nadal should be used for the Iberian team.
Poland and Kazakhstan will field Hubert Hurkacz and Alekandr Bublik in Brisbane: certainly one of the interesting challenges on the programme. Germany will rely on Siegemund and Oscar Otte to try to overcome the early 2-0 signed by the Czech Republic.
The German will face a tough Petra Kvitova, who can seize the opportunity to give her nation the deciding point.
Mark Petchey defends Rafa Nadal
Mark Petchey has expressed his disappointment at Rafael Nadal constantly being posed with retirement-related questions by the media during his press conferences.
“Why does anyone ask him this question? I don’t get it. He’s one of the very few players that sells vast quantities of tickets, puts column inches in papers and eyes balls on the game. Should be begging the guy to play another decade,” Mark Petchey said.
“It’s like people want some nice runway to prepare their final words on this legends career. Just appreciate he still wants to thrill us and all that entails to try to remain one of the best,” Petchey added.
