United Cup: Harriet Dart claims victory for Great Britain

Harriet Dart ensured that Great Britain won their first United Cup tie against hosts Australia.

Dart downed Maddison Inglis 6-4 6-4 in 1 hour and 51 minutes to help secure Great Britain a 3-2 win over Australia at the United Cup on the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.

Her win would prove valuable as Australia won the remaining two matches in the tie after Great Britain went out to a 3-2 lead.

“Maddy played really great tennis today and I had to work for it. It was the first match of the year. I was really nervous, but the crowd were really great”, said Dart.

With his victory over Daniel Evans, ranked 27th in the world, Jason Kubler gave Australia its first victory at this year’s United Cup.

After falling behind 0-5 in the second set, Kubler battled back and saved a set point at 4-5 before winning the match in the tie-break.

Sam Stosur, the vice-captain of Australia, and John Peers, with whom she competed in the Olympic mixed doubles competition, defeated Harriet Dart and Jonny O’Mara 7-6 (7-4) 6-4.

Swiss playing captain Stan Wawrinka clinched his country’s first United Cup tie win when he toppled Kazakhstan’s playing skipper Alexander Bublik 6-3, 7-6(3).

Switzerland went on to complete a 5-0 sweep in the first tie in Group B.

“I was super happy when they announced this United Cup, to have the chance to play for the Swiss with my teammates and everybody and to play here in Brisbane. Tonight was a great level,” Wawrinka said. “I’m super happy with the way I was playing. I’ve been working really hard to be back at a better level and I’m happy with the performance today.”

Wawrinka notched his first win over Bublik in three attempts thanks to a clinical game.

“Alexander is a great player, always tough to play. He has a tough game to play against, big serve. He’s always trying to put pressure, so for me it was important here on that court to be the aggressive player, to always show him that any opportunity I will have I will go and I will push him back,” Wawrinka said.

“So I think I did a great job today and I am super happy to have won in two sets. At my age it’s not easy to keep playing too long, so it’s great.”

Wawrinka was happy to start off his season on a high, and also notch a big win for his country in Brisbane.

“I think it’s an amazing experience to play this United Cup, to put women’s and men’s tennis together with the same country,” Wawrinka said.

“To have the chance to be the captain, to see tennis in a different way, in a different position, I’m really enjoying [it].”