SYDNEY: Caroline Garcia led France past Iga Swiatek’s Poland in the United Cup semifinal on Thursday. She did this by winning a hard-fought singles match and providing support in the mixed doubles to eliminate Norway.
Following her victory in an epic battle against the little-known Malene Helgo A scorching Casper Ruud defeated Adrian Mannarino 6-1, 6-4 to even the series in Sydney. Ruud went on to win 6-2, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/5).
To remain in the mixed teams tournament, Garcia battled to a stunning 7-5, 6-4 victory over Ruud and Ulrikke Eikeri in the deciding mixed doubles. However, Garcia returned to partner Edouard Roger-Vasselin.
It’s really lovely. We participate in an individual sport, and we get to represent Team France on occasion throughout the year,” Garcia stated.
“We are… very far from home and it’s nice in the city already we can see there are so many French. It’s wonderful to have so many supporters here, and I believe it’s a part of the United Cup.”
With her victory over Helgo, world number 20 Garcia extended her singles record this year to 3-0, but it was an uphill fight against a player ranked 544.
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Her last two singles triumphs at the United Cup came in three sets, and today was no different with Helgo putting up a great fight.
After hitting a career-high four in 2018, Garcia has fallen in the rankings. However, despite losing a match point in the second-set tiebreak, Garcia managed to cross the finish line.
“That match was insane. I didn’t realize Malene was a player, but she hit the ball so beautifully,” Garcia remarked.
“It’s only the third match of the season and I’m exhausted already.”
Ruud had the ideal preparation for the Australian Open, winning all three of his singles matches at the United Cup in straight sets.
None of his opponents, who also included Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor and Croat Borna Coric won over four games in a set, and he was successful with his serves against Mannarino as well, winning 88 percent of the points on his first serve.
“I believe that both sets’ early breaks served me well. Regarding his victory, Ruud remarked, “I don’t think I faced a break point.
“That’s a great stat for my standard of serving, so just really pleased, happy with the level.”
The world number six Stefanos Tsitsipas will face the world number seven Alexander Zverev in the final quarterfinal between Greece and Germany on Friday.
Australia will play the winner in the semi-finals on Saturday.
