United Cup 2025: Australia stunned by Argentina as home heroes see title chances dented

Australia reached the final of the United Cup last year but this time around, their chances are severly dented after a shock loss to Argentina. They lost 2-1 on Saturday evening at the Ken Rosewall Arena to disappoint the home fans assembled.

De Minaur produced a flawless performance after an early defeat for Olivia Gadecki to Nadia Podoroska to bring them into a mixed doubles decider. But despite having Ebden and Perez, they slumped to defeat against Maria Lourdes Carle and Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

They won it 6-2, 6-4. At 4-3 in the second set, they heaped the pressure on but she remained calm and served it out and then edged through from there. Despite having two of the best doubles players in the world, they struggled to find the level. Argentinian fans were very much a vocal presence inside the arena and were duly rewarded.

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De Minaur easing past Etcheverry 6-1, 6-4 in the second match of the tie did not much to add to their hopes as the doubles as ever decided it and saw Argentina seal the win. Podoroska winning 6-2, 6-4 over Gadecki also did the damage as it sent them well on their way in a tie that was hard to call but saw the former show her experience on the big stage.

Gadecki reached her first tour level final in Guadalajara in September but couldn't do anything to help Australia over the line in the opener.

"It was a tough match for me in the singles. Alex played incredible tennis today," Etcheverry said. "I was with the captain in the locker room. I spoke to him and he [asked] if I was fine to play. I know Lourdes since we were children, very young, so it was really special for me to share the court with her and we got the victory, so we are extremely happy of course."

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