Greece defeated Spain 2-1 in their first United Cup match, with Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari securing the win in a decisive mixed doubles match in Perth.
The Greek duo staged a thrilling comeback to triumph over Sergio Martos Gornes and Ibon Cabal-Reimers, winning 4-6, 6-3, 10-6. This victory marked a complete turnaround for Team Greece, which had initially faced a setback when Sakkari lost to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
Tsitsipas kept Greece’s hopes alive by defeating Pablo Carreño Busta, leveling the score at 1-1. In the mixed doubles match, Tsitsipas and Sakkari lost the first set 6-4 but raised their game in the second. They broke serve early and maintained their lead to win the set 6-3.
In the super tie-break, the Greek pair surged ahead, taking a 2-3 point lead. Although the Spanish duo closed the gap to 7-6, three consecutive points by Tsitsipas and Sakkari sealed the victory for Greece.
Earlier, Tsitsipas delivered a pivotal singles win for Greece in the Group 3 opener of the United Cup. Ranked No. 11 in the world, he defeated Carreño Busta (world No. 196) in a three-set thriller, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
This win allowed Greece to bounce back after Sakkari’s earlier singles loss, ensuring the team remained in contention for the top spot in Group 3.
Team Greece will face Kazakhstan on Monday, December 30, in their quest to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
