United Cup 2024: Great Britain exit in Group Stages
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Great Britain have been knocked out of the United Cup in the Group Stages despite defeating Group C winners Australia in their opening match of the tournament.
The Brits finished third based on total number of sets won after all three teams ended with one victory in the group.
Great Britain had got their campaign off to a brilliant start with a 2-1 win over group-winners Australia, thanks to singles victories from British No.1s Cam Norrie and Katie Boulter against Alex de Minaur and Ajla Tomlijanovic.
The British team came just one match tie-break away from qualification in their match against reigning champions USA. Boulter opened the tie with the best win of her career to date against world No.5 Jessica Pegula, but teaming up with Wimbledon champion Neal Skupski, narrowly lost the doubles decider to American No.1s Pegula and Taylor Fritz 1-6, 7-6(4), 10-7.
This left the final group standings out of Great Britain's hands, with Australia and USA set to face off in the last match of Group C.
In the end, it was the home team, Australia, who came out as victors and clinched the group with stunning wins for De Minaur as well as doubles duo Storm Hunter and Matthew Ebden.
The Americans - having won more sets than the Brits this week - could still progress to the quarter-finals as one of the best performing group runners-up.
After some impressive results in Perth, the British stars will now move on to play their final preparation events before the Australian Open - with qualifying starting on 8 January.
