Switzerland beat France 2-1 on Saturday in Sydney to enter Group D of the United Cup. Belinda Bencic and Dominic Stricker won by beating Elixane Lechemia/Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-1 7-6 (7/4) in the decisive mixed doubles.
The day was particularly beautiful for Belinda Bencic (WTA 487). The 2021 Olympic champion indeed offered the first point to Switzerland by crushing Chloé Paquet (123) 6-3 6-1 in less than 90′ of play.
Stricker beaten by Humbert
Dominic Stricker (ATP 300) suffered in singles, losing 6-3 7-5 in 73′ against the 14th world player Ugo Humbert. But the Bernese left-hander played his role perfectly in doubles against a French pair led by world number 40 in doubles Edouard Roger-Vasselin.
“It was important to win and it was a pleasure to play with Dominic“, said Belinda Bencic. “It’s so easy when he’s serving. I’m calm at the net, I don’t touch the ball.“
Switzerland will have the opportunity to validate its ticket for the quarter-finals on Sunday. But her task promises to be difficult against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini (WTA 4) and Flavio Cobolli (ATP 30).
ats/tzing
Swiss
