Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz edged out Leylah Fernandez and Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (2) 7-5 in the deciding mixed doubles match to seal a 2-1 victory for the United States over Canada at the United Cup.
In the opening match of the tie, the 2023 US Open champion routinely handled the top-ranked Canadian female tennis player 6-3 6-2.
With the United States needing one win to secure the triumph, Fritz had everything in his hands and he was on the verge of securing a 2-0 victory for his side.
But then, he stunningly failed to serve out for a two-set win over Auger-Aliassime in singles as he allowed the Canadian to get back into the match and complete a 4-6 7-5 6-3 win.
Fortunately for the American side, an absolute disaster was avoided after they managed to win the mixed doubles match and start their campaign in Sydney with a win.
How Gauff and Fritz won in mixed doubles?
The American pair earned the first break of the match in the sixth game but their lead was short-lived since they got instantly broken back in the following game.
Then, they also didn’t convert two break points in the eighth game, as well as a set point in the 12th game.
After a couple of missed opportunities to close out the first set, Gauff and Fritz managed to remain calm as they opened a comfortable 6-1 lead in the tie-break before realizing their third set point to win a tight opener.
Early in the second set, the American duo went up by a break but instantly got broken back.
But once again, they didn’t panic – collected another break in the 11th game for a 6-5 lead – before serving out for the win in the following game.
On Tuesday, Gauff and Fritz will be back in action when the United States takes on Croatia.
Tennis World USA