Health
Alex de Minaur advances past Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the United Cup
Novak Djokovic continued to suffer with a wrist injury as Australia upset Serbia 3-0 in the United Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Poland advanced to the semifinals with a 3-0 win over China, while France and Greece swept Italy and Canada, respectively, to advance to the quarterfinals.
Djokovic, who has been suffering from a right wrist injury throughout the tournament, defeated Jiri Lehecka in Serbia’s last Group E encounter against the Czech Republic.
However, the world No. 1 struggled against Alex de Minaur, who won 6-4, 6-4 with a terrific defense and a strong serve.
Djokovic was visibly in pain against world No. 12 de Minaur, and he was treated by the physio twice in the opening set.
It was Djokovic’s first defeat in Australia since losing in the quarterfinals of the 2018 Australian Open.
Ajla Tomljanovic then won 6-1, 6-1 against Natalija Stevanovic, who had come in for Olga Danilovic, to give Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead. Matthew Ebden and Storm Hunter then completed the onslaught by defeating Serbian mixed doubles combo Dejana Radanovic and Nikola ai 6-3, 6-3.
“It’s extra special,” de Minaur remarked after Australia qualified for the semifinals for the first time. “Novak is an incredible competitor, and what he’s done for the sport is truly remarkable.” It’s surreal and incredible, and I’m thrilled to be doing it in Perth.
“When you go up against Novak, you have to go out and enjoy it, support yourself, and fight until the end.” Today was my day, and I’m grateful for the victory.”
Top-ranked Iga Swiatek defeated No. 14 Zheng Qinwen 6-2, 6-3 to give Poland a 2-0 lead after Hubert Hurkacz defeated Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 6-4.
In the mixed doubles, Katarzyna Piter and Jan Zieliski of Poland completed the sweep with a 6-3, 5-7, 10-7 victory over You Xiaodi and Sun Fajing of China.
The Polish team will fly across Australia to Sydney for Saturday’s semifinals, where they will face either France or Norway.
“I really wanted to go to Sydney especially because my coach [Tomasz Wiktorowski] told me that I can get three days off in Sydney afterwards,” Swiatek, who was 22 at the time, stated. “So, without a doubt, Bondi Beach awaits us.”
“But for now, we have to concentrate on the semifinal and, hopefully, the final.” “I’m very pleased with my performance and the team’s atmosphere.”
Caroline Garcia and Adrian Mannarino guided France over Italy earlier in Sydney.
Mannarino defeated Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets, while Garcia defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 to give France a 2-0 lead and clinch top position in Group D.
“We’ve progressed from last year,” Garcia remarked. “Obviously we’re very happy with it and we want to keep going.”
Elixane Lechemia and Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France completed the sweep with a straight-sets victory in the mixed doubles.
No. 6 After missing Greece’s opening against Chile, Stefanos Tsitsipas returned to upset Canada’s Steven Diez 6-2, 6-3 and give his team the lead.
Maria Sakkari advanced Greece to the quarterfinals by saving four set points in the first set and then rallying from 3-1 behind in the second set to defeat Leylah Fernandez 7-6 (2), 6-3. In the mixed doubles, Tsitsipas and Despina Papamichail defeated Stacey Fung and Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-5, 6-4.
