ONE OF the pre-tournament favourites Greece are out of the running at the 2025 United Cup after Kazakhstan swept the Mediterranean nation 3-0 in Perth today. After both nations defeated Spain, the winner of the group would advance through, while the loser realistically needed a match from the three to give itself the best chance of a wildcard spot in the quarter finals.

Unfortunately for Greece, that did not happen, with a capitulation of sorts. First, Stefanos Tsitsipas had a shocker, well below his usual level and bowing out to Alexander Shevchenko in straight sets, 6-4 7-6. That was the danger sign for Greece given Tsitsipas – ranked just outside the Top 10 – was strong favourite against the recently converted Kazakh – from Russia – and Maria Sakkari was underdog against Elena Rybakina.

As expected, the Grand Slam winner proved too good, winning 6-4 6-3 in an hour and 24 minutes to seal the qualifying spot into the quarters as Group C’s top ranked nation. Given the mixed doubles was essentially a dead rubber, the reserve players got a chance in front of a big crowd to don their nations colours.

Kazakhstan’s Zhibek Kulambayeva and Aleksandr Nedovyesov overcame Greek pair Despina Papamichail and Petros Tsitsipas in a third set super tiebreak, 2-6 6-3 10-6. That locked in the 3-0 win and essentially knocked Greece out of the tournament given multiple completed teams have already won more matches even with a loss.

“I think he was not at his best today but still I played really well and I found the moments to win the match,” Shevchenko said post-match. “It will definitely go in my record as one of my best wins.”

“I was risking with my backhand down the line and it worked out really well. I’ve been dreaming of playing this event… it’s unbelievable to be here playing on this court.”

Greece will take on the winner of China and Germany in the quarter finals.

KAZAKHSTAN (3) defeated GREECE (0)

Alexander Shevchenko (KAZ) defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 6-4 7-6
Elena Rybakina (KAZ) defeated Maria Sakkari (GRE) 6-4 6-3
Z. Kulambayeva/A. Nedovyesov (KAZ) defeated D. Papamichail/P. Tsitsipas (GRE) 2-6 6-3 10-6

Group F was tipped to be the most competitive group of the half dozen pools, and it has turned out that way with Argentina now finished up at 1-1, but if host nation Australia finds away to defeat Great Britain, all three sides will be on the same record. That became a possibility after British pair Katie Boulter and Chris Broom defeated Maria Carle and Tomas Etcheverry in the mixed doubles to hand Great Britain the 2-1 victory in Sydney.

In a complete reversal of results from Argentina’s win over Australia, this time it was Etcheverry who won his singles, beating the lower ranked Billy Harris in a come-from-behind victory, 3-6 6-3 6-2 on Ken Rosewall Arena. However earlier, Nadia Podoroska who had enjoyed sucess against Australia, went down against an in-form Boulter, 6-2 6-3.

Going to a deciding mixed doubles match, Boulter was thrown in alongside Broom to take on the successful Carle and Etcheverry who upstaged Australia’s specialist mixed doubles combination in the previous match. However on this occasion, they could not get it done with the Brits winning 7-6 7-5.

“Very, very pleased with today. Last year I played so well in singles and didn’t get any mixed doubles rubbers, so I really wanted this one so badly,” Boulter said post-match. “I’m so glad we came out. I feel like we both played so great together considering it’s our first time. “But I’m just thrilled to get the win.”