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Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts against Australia’s Alex De Minaur during their men’s singles match on day five of the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney on January 2, 2023. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP
SYDNEY—Rafael Nadal suffered his second straight loss at the United Cup mixed team tournament on Monday, losing to Australia’s Alex de Minaur amid concerns about the world number two’s early season form ahead of his Australian Open title defence.
Nadal showed brilliance in his opener loss to Briton Cameron Norrie after returning to action after an injury-hit 2022 season and he looked ready to respond against De Minaur, but fell again as the Australian won 3-6 6-1 7 -5.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has now won just one of his last seven matches on the ATP tour – a rubber-tie death row victory over Casper Ruud at the ATP Finals.
Other losses include Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe. Nadal will next be in action at the first Grand Slam of the season at Melbourne Park from January 16, giving time to iron out the handicap.
The Spaniard and Australian not being in contention for the next stage of the inaugural $15 million prize money event has slightly reduced the edge of the meeting and De Minaur’s quest for a first win against Nadal looks set to continue as he falls behind.
However, the 23-year-old rallied from a set down and a break down to secure the biggest win of his career as Nadal surrendered his serve in the 11th game and De Minaur sealed victory to spark emotional scenes and delight the raucous Sydney fans. .
Earlier, Taylor Fritz beat Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-4 while Madison Keys beat Jule Niemeier 6-2 6-3 as the United States took a 2-0 lead over Germany enough to set up a match with Group D champions England. in the next round.
The winners of each of the two groups from the three venues – Sydney, Perth and Brisbane – compete in a “city final” on Friday to determine who makes the final four.
The fourth semi-finalist will be the runner-up with the best record from three matches at the event.
In Brisbane, Iga Swiatek kept her tournament perfect with a 6-3 7-6(3) win over Belinda Bencic, as Poland won 1-0 against Switzerland in Group B.
Italy took a 2-0 lead over Norway after winning Group E in the same city, as Martina Trevisan beat Malene Helgo 7-5 3-6 6-4 and Lorenzo Musetti beat Viktor Durasovic 7-6(7) 6- 3. Matteo Berrettini play Ruud on Tuesday.
Italy can reach the next round if they win the tie, while defeat will send Brazil through.
Stefanos Tsitsipas leveled Greece at 1-1 in their Group A match against Belgium in Perth by beating David Goffin 6-3 6-2.
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