Sydney, Dec 30 (NationPress) Katie Boulter and Charles Broom fought their way past Maria Lourdes Carle and Tomas Martin Etcheverry with scores of 7-6(4), 7-5 on Monday in Sydney, solidifying Great Britain's 2-1 win against Argentina in the United Cup at the Ken Rosewall Arena. This result ensures that Great Britain, Argentina, and Australia all remain in contention to claim the group title and move forward to the quarterfinals of this mixed-gender team competition.

Boulter began the match with a solid 6-2, 6-3 victory over Nadia Podoroska and later returned to partner with Broom for the decisive win. Great Britain is set to face Australia on Wednesday evening in what is expected to be a thrilling and intense matchup.

During the second set of the mixed doubles, with the score at 5-5, Carle bravely saved two break points, but she could not prevent a third. Boulter executed a powerful forehand passing shot up the line, evading the net-hanging Etcheverry, allowing her team to take the lead before successfully serving out this crucial victory for her nation. Etcheverry had previously forced a live mixed doubles match against the British with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Billy Harris.

The Briton had emerged victorious in their last ATP Head2Head encounter last year. However, this time, the Argentine made a comeback from a set down, winning in two hours and 44 minutes. Etcheverry, who had just suffered a one-sided loss to local favorite Alex de Minaur, managed to recover from a rocky start to the season.

Instead of letting an exhausting first set hinder his performance, the No. 39 player in the ATP Rankings responded by playing disciplined baseline tennis, leading to more errors from Harris and winning crucial baseline rallies. In true United Cup spirit, a passionate group of Argentine fans, waving their national flag, cheered Etcheverry to victory. During the on-court interview with the former World No. 27, his responses were nearly drowned out by the enthusiastic crowd.

Boulter got off to a strong start for her nation on Monday afternoon. At the Ken Rosewall Arena, the World No. 24 took just one hour and 26 minutes to overcome the 100th-ranked Podoroska in their first-ever encounter. The British No. 1 Boulter, fresh off her first season in the Top 50, has claimed two WTA titles in 2024.

Boulter smashed nine forehand winners and converted three out of nine break points in the opening set, which concluded with a double fault from Podoroska. The 2020 Roland Garros semifinalist attempted to regroup in the second set but Boulter persevered through a 12-minute hold for a 3-0 lead and comfortably cruised to victory from there.