Tennis: Switzerland beats France 2-1 in Sydney

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 (WTA 123) 6-3 6-1 in less than 90′ of play, then easily playing a second match to fully reassure herself about her physique .

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, quoted on the United Cup website. “It’s so easy when he’s serving. I’m calm at the net, I don’t touch the ball. It’s super cool to play with him, we had great energy on the court.”

Switzerland will have the opportunity to validate its ticket for the quarter-finals on Sunday. But its task promises to be difficult against Italy of Jasmine Paolini (WTA 4) and Flavio Cobolli (ATP 30), the third team appearing in this group D.