For the first time in eight consecutive United Cup ties played in Sydney this year, the result was not decided by the mixed doubles.
It’s just amazing to be back in the quarter finals here. Maria Sakkari
The France versus Italy clash saw the French take an unassailable 2-0 lead by claiming the two singles rubbers.
Caroline Garcia steered France into the quarter finals on Wednesday with a 6-4 5-7 6-4 win over Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.
Garcia’s singles win followed a 6-4 6-4 win for Adrian Mannarino over Lorenzo Sonego in the men’s singles, giving the French an unassailable 2-0 lead in the tie and clinching its spot atop of Group D.
As the group winners, France will face Norway in the quarter finals.
“It’s always a tough match with him and in the second set I felt it could go either way,” Mannarino said. “I was lucky at 4-all to go the break up and everything went my way today.”
Elixane Lechemia and Edouard Roger-Vasselin completed the 3-0 whitewash for France with a 7-6(5) 6-4 win over Nuria Brancaccio and Flavio Cobolli.
Maria Sakkari produced another excellent performance
(Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
In the evening session Greece, last year’s semi-finalists, overcame Canada 3-0 which left all three nations in Group B with 1-1 records but Greece, with a better set score, ended the four days of play as group champions!
Maria Sakkari sealed Greece’s spot in the quarterfinals after saving four set points in the first set and coming from 3-1 down in the second to defeat Leylah Fernandez 7-6(2) 6-3 after Stefanos Tsitsipas had defeated Steven Diez 6-2 6-3 to give Greece the opening point.
“I think the level was very high from both of us. We both played a great match. It’s great to start the season with a very competitive match against her. I just felt very good on the court, especially having the team on my side,” Sakkari commented. “It’s just amazing to be back in the quarter finals here.”
The crowds proved to be very pro the Greeks and when asked about them, Tsistipas responded: “Athens, Sydney, it doesn’t make much difference right now. I am out here enjoying playing tennis. There is a lot of blue and white around the stadium, which happen to be my favourite colours.
“Today was a good summary of how aggressive I can be. I’m always seeking extra credibility in my game and whatever I can add to my game I am always willing and open-minded.
“I always have a lot of energy when I’m playing in Australia, which keeps my blood pumping.”
Greece now face Germany in the last eight.
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