Katie Boulter won both singles and doubles matches as Great Britain defeated Argentina 2-1 at the United Cup.
The British number one defeated Nadia Podoroska 6-3 6-2 as she comfortably dominated the former Roland Garros semi-finalist.
Despite a tricky opening set, Boulter refocused to give Great Britain a 1-0 lead and control of the tie.
After the match Boulter spoke about her first match of the season, “Obviously never easy to come out first match of the year, especially against someone who’s going to make so many balls and make you work so hard,” Boulter told the WTA website.
“She’d already played a match, so I knew I was going to have to get sharp really quickly, and I’m glad I got through the line today and played some really good stuff as well.”
It didn’t all go Great Britain’s way though as Argentina soon levelled the tie with Tomas Martin Etcheverry defeating Billy Harris in three sets in the second rubber.
Harris, who had a breakthrough 2024 season, won the first set as he frustrated Martin Etcheverry at times but the Argentinian dominated the last two sets to level the tie.
However Great Britain came through in the end as Katie Boulter and Charles Broom defeated Maria Carle and Martin Etcheverry 7-6(4) 7-5.
After the victory Boulter admitted she was pleased with winning her mixed doubles after last year’s frustrations, “Very, very pleased with today,” Boulter stated to the WTA website.
“Last year I played so well in singles and didn’t get any mixed doubles rubbers, so I really wanted this one so badly. I’m so glad we came out. I feel like we both played so great together considering it’s our first time. But I’m just thrilled to get the win.”
Meanwhile Broom admitted he was nervous heading into the crucial deciding match, “[There] might have been a few nerves. But I feel like playing with Katie, she’s so experienced,” Broom explained.
“She helped me through that in a number of ways. I thought we gelled so well together on the court, good energy and the crowd was great as well getting us through in a few tight moments, so that kind of settles you down. Looking forward to the next one against Australia.”
The win means that Great Britain can qualify for the quarter-finals with victory over Australia on New Years Day while if Australia win in Sydney then it will be down to matches and sets won and lost.
Great Britain v Australia will take place at 6:30am GMT on Wednesday.
