Katie Boulter got her 2025 season off to a winning start as she led Great Britain to Argentina’s first victory in the United Cup on Monday.
Boulter defeated Nadia Podoroska in straight sets in Sydney, then paired with Charles Broom in the mixed doubles to secure the tie after Billy Harris lost to Thomas Etchvery in the singles.
The Briton, who could meet fiance Alex de Minaur this week when Britain take on Australia, defeated world number 100 Podoroska 6-2 6-3 in their first meeting.
Harris, who featured on the men’s side in the absence of the injured Jack Draper, looked set to continue the winning theme as he took the first set against Etchvery 6-3.
But the 66-point gap kicked in and Etchvery won the next two sets 6-3 6-2 to level the tie, leaving Boulter and Broome to secure victory with a 7-6 (7-4) 7-5 victory over Etchvery and Maria Lourdes Carle.
Broome and Boulter shone at key moments in the mixed doubles
“Very, very happy with today. I played so well in the singles last year and didn’t get the mixed doubles rubbers, so I really wanted this one,” Boulter said.
“I feel like we both played so well together considering it’s our first time. But I’m just excited to get the win.”
Great Britain take on Australia live on Wednesday at 5am Sky Sports’ main event and: Sky Sports Tenniswhere the victory will secure a ticket to the quarter finals.
Germany is the reigning champion of the team tournament, which is part of the preparations for the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.
Osaka wins comeback amid protests against opponent
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka made a triumphant return to the court after nearly three months in the first round of the Auckland Classic, drawing stadium-side protests against her Israeli rival.
Osaka defeated qualifier Lina Glushko 6-4, 6-4 in a tight match in her first match since October, when a back injury at the China Open ended her 2024 season.
Osaka had to contend with a swirling wind on Center Court and delays in play caused by chants from a small group of protesters that could be clearly heard throughout the stadium. for
“I just heard a lot of shouting, and then people around me were telling me there were protests,” Osaka said.
“I had no idea what the score was most of the time. I was just trying to tell myself one point and not get discouraged. Luckily, it worked out in my favor.”
Great Britain’s Emma Radukanu also returned to action in Auckland on Tuesday morning.
Watch the United Cup as well as ATP and WTA events in Brisbane, Auckland and Hong Kong this week live on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
