Australia will tackle Group Serbia at RAC Area for a spot within the United Cup semifinals.
Perth, Australia, 2 January 2024 | Dan Imhoff
After finishing one among his “top-five finest matches” to stun Taylor Fritz at RAC Area, Alex de Minaur accepts he might have to search out one other gear to spring the upset on Novak Djokovic within the United Cup quarterfinals.
The Australian discovered his sharpest type to topple world No.10 Fritz en path to Australia’s slim 2-1 defeat of Group USA on Monday evening earlier than a Djokovic-led Serbia sealed a berth on Tuesday with a 2-1 conquer the Czech Republic.
De Minaur salvaged simply 5 video games in his solely prior encounter with the world No.1, within the fourth spherical of final yr’s Australian Open.
The stage was set for a rematch earlier than one other parochial Australia versus Serbia ambiance.
“It’s no secret Novak’s degree, it’s unbelievable, and he’s in all probability the GOAT, if we’re sincere,” De Minaur stated.
“So, he began the yr robust. It’s going to be clearly extraordinarily robust, however will probably be a problem that I’ll be trying ahead to, to hopefully going on the market and present what I can do.”
> READ: Australia secures last-ditch United Cup quarterfinal berth
Djokovic acquired remedy on his proper wrist throughout a three-set victory over Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday to degree Serbia’s tie with the Czechs, after Olga Danilovic got here up narrowly brief in opposition to Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-1 3-6 6-3.
Danilovic and Hamad Medjedovic required one set from the deciding combined doubles in opposition to Miriam Kolodziejova and Petr Nouza for Serbia to advance to the quarterfinals.
A 4-6 7-5 [10-8] victory sealed prime spot in Group E and a showdown with Australia on Wednesday evening in Perth.
“After all, we’re taking part in a house nation tomorrow, in all probability packed stadium, which is one thing that all of us are trying ahead to,” Djokovic stated. “They’re very robust, significantly doubles, and likewise singles, you realize, they’re very full…
“We all know that if it’s 1-1 after singles we’re in all probability not favourites in opposition to anyone, you realize, to win the combined, however we’ll certainly struggle until the tip.”
Group captain Lleyton Hewitt stated Djokovic had hit the bottom operating at Perth and was taking part in nice tennis from the outset.
“It’d be a real take a look at for Alex. You understand, he in all probability has to step as much as the plate and play even higher than (on Monday),” Hewitt stated.
“However they’re the checks and the challenges he needs. He’s pushing to get within the prime 10 on this planet. That is the place he needs to be. He needs to problem himself in opposition to the perfect gamers.”
> READ: New season brings new perspective for Tomljanovic
Ajla Tomljanovic and Danilovic will go face to face in quest of their first singles win of this yr’s United Cup following two respective losses.
Tomljanovic continued her comeback from ongoing accidents that blighted her 2023 season with a much-improved exhibiting in opposition to world No.5 Jessica Pegula on Monday evening.
Whereas she succumbed in two tight units it was a warning to her potential opponent in Australia’s quarterfinal.
“I feel folks would possibly underestimate me as a result of they know I haven’t performed shortly,” she stated.
“I really feel like I can nonetheless play a fairly good degree… I imagine in myself however I’m not anticipating large issues as a result of I at all times attempt to carry myself to the truth of the state of affairs that I haven’t performed a lot.
“It’s nonetheless such a means of relearning my physique and the way I transfer and my recreation in a approach. It’s virtually like a brand new… chapter, as a result of issues are totally different. They really feel totally different.
“I really feel like every single day, with each match, I’m studying lots of what works, what doesn’t.”
West Australians Storm Hunter and Matt Ebden might show the deciding issue for the hosts’ possibilities of progressing to the semifinals in Sydney.
They are going to try and land a 3rd straight win of this yr’s United Cup once they meet the Serbians.
“To play with Matt, it’s actually a dream come true, and to get the win (in opposition to the US) to provide ourselves the chance,” Hunter stated. “Yeah, this enviornment is superb, the followers have been unbelievable.
“Wednesday hopefully, I feel it’s going to be one other large crowd, which is superior. Truthfully, that’s why we play tennis, we need to play in these large moments, you realize, and representing our nation. There’s no higher honour.”