Australia Edges Norway in United Cup Opener with Resilient Team Performance
Hosts secure a two-one victory in Sydney as veteran Storm Hunter shines and mixed doubles seals the tie
Australia inaugurated its 2026 United Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway in Sydney, showcasing depth and competitive resolve at the Ken Rosewall Arena.
In the women’s singles, veteran Storm Hunter delivered a composed performance, defeating Norway’s Malene Helgo 6-2, 7-6 after stepping in at short notice for the unwell Maya Joint.
Hunter raced through the first set with decisive breaks and, despite a spirited second-set fightback from Helgo, closed the match comfortably in the tiebreak.
This victory gave Australia an early edge in the tie and underscored Hunter’s return to form after a significant injury layoff.
Hunter’s success was matched by Norway’s Casper Ruud, who defeated local favourite Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-3 in the men’s singles to level the tie at one apiece.
Ruud controlled the contest with precision serving and tactical acumen, handing de Minaur a rare defeat on home soil.
With the tie finely balanced, the deciding mixed doubles match assumed critical importance.
Australia’s pairing of John-Patrick Smith and Storm Hunter responded with authority, overcoming Norway’s Viktor Durasovic and Ulrikke Eikeri in a thrilling contest that ended 4-6, 6-1, [10-4].
The hosts rallied after dropping the first set to dominate the second and ultimately prevail in the match tiebreak, securing the tie for Australia.
The result provides a positive start for the home nation in Group D play, combining experienced leadership and clutch performances at pivotal moments in Sydney’s opening United Cup fixture.
In the women’s singles, veteran Storm Hunter delivered a composed performance, defeating Norway’s Malene Helgo 6-2, 7-6 after stepping in at short notice for the unwell Maya Joint.
Hunter raced through the first set with decisive breaks and, despite a spirited second-set fightback from Helgo, closed the match comfortably in the tiebreak.
This victory gave Australia an early edge in the tie and underscored Hunter’s return to form after a significant injury layoff.
Hunter’s success was matched by Norway’s Casper Ruud, who defeated local favourite Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-3 in the men’s singles to level the tie at one apiece.
Ruud controlled the contest with precision serving and tactical acumen, handing de Minaur a rare defeat on home soil.
With the tie finely balanced, the deciding mixed doubles match assumed critical importance.
Australia’s pairing of John-Patrick Smith and Storm Hunter responded with authority, overcoming Norway’s Viktor Durasovic and Ulrikke Eikeri in a thrilling contest that ended 4-6, 6-1, [10-4].
The hosts rallied after dropping the first set to dominate the second and ultimately prevail in the match tiebreak, securing the tie for Australia.
The result provides a positive start for the home nation in Group D play, combining experienced leadership and clutch performances at pivotal moments in Sydney’s opening United Cup fixture.
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