(Sydney) France beat Norway in the deciding mixed doubles to join Poland in the United Cup semi-finals on Thursday.
Frenchmen Caroline Garcia and Édouard Roger-Vasselin defeated Ulrikke Eikeri and Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-4 in a series of clashes that lasted nearly six and a half hours.
Ruud forced a final duel after beating Adrian Mannarino 6-1, 6-4, after Garcia defeated Malene Helgo in three sets 6-2, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (5). to give France a 1-0 lead.
Garcia, ranked 20th in the world and 2022 WTA Finals champion, had to work for more than two and a half hours against Helgo, 544th in the world.
“It was a crazy match and a crazy performance from Helgo,” Garcia said. I didn’t know her very well and she just played a whole game. She hit the ball so well. »
Ruud dominated Mannarino in the men’s singles.
“I don’t think I faced a break point,” Ruud said. So it’s excellent for my service standards… and for putting Norway on the scoreboard. »
Greece and Germany will face off on Friday to determine who will join Australia in the other semi-final.