Tennis News: Never underestimate Canada. This was proven when Leylah Annie Fernandez and Steven Diaz saved Canada from defeat in the first match of the United Cup 2024 group stage.
Chile were just two points away from claiming victory in Group B of the United Cup, Sydney when Daniela Seguel and Tomas Barrios Vera took an 8/6 lead in the deciding tiebreak against the Canadian team, Leylah Annie Fernandez and Steven Diez in the United States. Mixed doubles cup match. But the Canadian team never gave up and eventually won 7-5, 4-6, 10-8.
“I feel very happy and proud of my team,” exclaimed Annie Fernandez. “It was a tense match with a lot of ups and downs, but we stayed calm and positive and used our advantage.”
On the first match point opportunity, Seguel was unable to overcome the return of Annie Fernandez after she found the net. Diez also knelt on the pitch to celebrate the victory and share an emotional hug with his compatriots.
“I was a little surprised that Félix couldn't compete, but it's time to pay tribute to him for winning the 2021 ATP Cup season,” Diez said.
“My legs are a little heavy and tired, but I feel really motivated and we stay together and positive.”
All three United Cup matches played in Sydney were played in mixed doubles after the Netherlands beat Norway 2-1 and Germany beat Italy 2-1.
Chilean tennis player Nicolas Jarry forced the mixed doubles match after beating Diez 7-5, 6-4.
“Steven is a fighter, a very tough tennis player,” Jarry said. “So it was a tough game for the first game of the new season. It's amazing to be here to compete and play real matches in this incredible atmosphere.
World number 314 Diez replaced compatriot Félix Auger Aliassime and performed well at the Ken Rosewall Arena, but was not good enough to beat Jarry.
In the first match, Annie Fernandez gave Canada the lead with a convincing 6-2, 6-3 victory over Seguel. He needed just 73 minutes to give Canada its first victory, including beating the world number 668 five times in their first meeting.
Article keywords: Tennis, United Cup, Leylah Annie Fernandez, Steven Diez, Daniela Seguel, Nicolas Jarry
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