United Cup 2025: Argentina upset De Minaur-led Australia
Alex de Minaur defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry in singles but the Argentinian teamed up with Maria Lourdes Carle in mixed doubles to help his side win 2-1
Alex De Minaur, ATP Finals, 2024 © Chryslene Caillaud / Panoramic
Argentina staged an upset on Australia on Saturday (December 28), defeating the hosts 2-1 in a Group F tie of the 2025 United Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney. The Argentinians negated world No 9 Alex de Minaur‘s win in the men’s singles match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry to take the win.
The outcome propelled No 17 seed Argentina to the top of the standings in Group F, with Great Britain—yet to start their campaign, sitting last.
Podoroska beats Gadecki
Nadia Podoroska started the proceedings for Argentina on a positive note, overcoming Olivia Gadecki 6-2, 6-4 in 89 minutes.
Gadecki unwillingly helped Podoroska’s cause by spraying five double faults as she conceded 17 break points, out of which the Argentinian converted five with an impressive average of 74 percent on second-serve return points.
“I think I played very consistent the whole match,” Podoroska said after her win. “Even when I missed some serves I keep doing my game. It’s very important to do that.”
De Minaur levels the score
De Minaur took the court against Etcheverry and wasted little time to level the score. He secured a 6-1, 6-4 win against the world No 39 in 77 minutes on the back of eight aces.
The Aussie kept his serve unchallenged while breaking the Argentinian’s thrice in six attempts.
“I think just being back here in Sydney [helped]. I love it here,” the 25-year-old said. “I love playing here. I get to play in front of friends, family and in front of my home crowd, so what better way to start the new season?”
Etcheverry-Carle stun Ebden-Perez
In the deciding mixed doubles duel, Etcheverry joined forces with compatriot Maria Lourdes Carle and stunned the duo of Matthew Ebden—the 2024 Australian Open and Paris Olympics doubles champion, and Ellen Perez, the world No 13 in doubles.
Etcheverry-Carle outdid 6-4, 6-2 to help Argentina register their first win at the 2025 United Cup.
“Super happy. It’s our first time playing together and I trust him,” Carle revealed after the win. “I was like, ‘Okay, let’s do it and let’s have fun’. And we did. I think we played very well with a very high energy. That was our goal to do today.”
