United Cup: Felix and Fernandez Join Forces to Achieve Opening Victory for Canada

Perth, Dec 28 (NationPress) Felix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Fernandez delivered a stellar performance on Saturday as they teamed up to secure a win against Croatia, finishing 2-1 in a Group A match during the United Cup. In a crucial mixed doubles contest, the Canadian duo triumphed over Ivan Dodig and Lucija Ciric Bagaric with a score of 6-3, 6-4, sealing a 2-1 victory over Croatia. Auger-Aliassime and Fernandez showcased their skills throughout the 66-minute event, remaining unchallenged by break points.

Borna Coric had earlier mounted an impressive comeback against Auger-Aliassime to keep Croatia in contention, pushing the tie to a live decider. After losing the first eight games, the 28-year-old fought back for a remarkable 0-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory, winning seven consecutive games.

Having not played since October due to injury, Auger-Aliassime won 78 percent (25/32) of points in a nearly flawless first set, as reported by Infosys ATP Stats. The former world No. 6 seemed poised to close out the second set at 4-2, but a misjudged mid-court forehand proved crucial, allowing Coric to find renewed energy and turn the match around.

Coric missed the chance to serve for the match at 5-4 in the deciding set but recovered to finish the match in two hours and 19 minutes, improving his ATP head-to-head record against Auger-Aliassime to 3-1.

Fernandez had previously handed Donna Vekic her first career loss in United Cup singles, securing a 6-4, 6-3 victory to give Canada an early 1-0 lead.

Despite Vekic's previous 5-0 record in United Cup singles matches, she had never faced a Top 20 opponent until now. Fernandez, currently ranked No. 31 and a finalist at the 2021 US Open, continued her strong performance into 2024, needing only 1 hour and 26 minutes to add another Top 20 win against No. 19 Vekic.

The opening set at RAC Arena saw both players evenly matched, with no break points in the first nine games. A crucial forehand winner from Fernandez created an opportunity, and a double fault from the Croatian gave the Canadian three chances to take the first set. Eventually, it took four attempts as Vekic double-faulted again, handing Fernandez the set.

A key double fault, the sixth of the match for Vekic, led to a break in the second set, allowing Fernandez to take control. After breaking, she sealed the match with a love hold, capped by her fourth ace.

Canada will face a challenging match against the USA on Sunday night, featuring Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff.