US hold on against Brits to stay alive in Perth

Britain came close to an upset of the United Cup defending champion on Sunday before Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz rallied their way to a 2-1 group victory in Perth.

The New Year’s Eve 2-1 victory kept the US in the chase for a second title in as many editions at the mixed team event.

The Americans take on Australia on Monday with a victory sending them to the Sydney quarter-finals to be played on Friday.

The deciding mixed doubles tie was a close call, with the North American combining for a 1-6, 7-6 (5), 10-7 over Katie Boulter and Ken Skupski. Earlier, the countries split the singles in the West Australia capital.

“We have a team energy from last year here, we don’t want to take a loss and let it die,” Fritz said.

Pegula, was just relieved to get through: “To get a win in this fashion after such a long day (on court) brings back a lot of memories.

“It was a big win today, especially after losing such a tough singles match.”

The day began as Boulter beat WTA No. 5 Pegula 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, coming from a double break down in the second set and marking a first win over a top-five player.

“This was a very hard match for both of us,” Boulter said  “I play my best tennis when I’m smiling and having fun. I kept trying to get over the line.”

No. 10 Fritz, put his big serve to best use, beating Cameron Norrie 7-6 (5), 6-4 while receiving treatment on his left quad muscle.

“I strained something but got through it. I got lucky at the end of the (first set) tiebreaker and in the second my serve kept me in it and I managed to steal a break.”

.In group play at Sydney, Canada defeated Chile.