AAP Tennis

Alcaraz wins again but Croatia down Spain in Hopman Cup

By AAP Newswire

Jul 23, 2023

Spain's world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz. — Carlos Alcaraz has enjoyed singles success at the Hopman Cup, but Croatia progress to the final. -EPA

Croatia's Borna Coric and Donna Vekic have outlasted Carlos Alcaraz and Rebeka Masarova of Spain in their Hopman Cup mixed doubles rubber to secure a 2-1 victory and take their place in the final against Switzerland.

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World No.1 Alcaraz had earlier levelled Saturday's tie at 1-1 with a 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 10-5 victory over Coric to make it two wins from as many singles matches on the clay courts of Nice, days after his Wimbledon triumph on the All England Club lawns.

The 20-year-old raced through the first set in 36 minutes but Coric battled his way back into the match by edging a tight second set tiebreak.

Alcaraz stepped up a gear in the super tiebreak to close out the win in little more than two hours and set up the decider, in which Croatia held their nerve in a dramatic encounter to wrap up a memorable comeback victory 1-6 6-4 14-12.

Croatia, the 1996 champions, will aim to win their second Hopman Cup title on Sunday.

Vekic proved too strong for Masarova in the first match of the tie as the world No.22 converted four of her seven break point chances to secure a 6-2 6-1 win that effectively ended Spain's chances of reaching the title clash.

Switzerland defended their title in the last edition of the mixed team tournament in 2019 for their fourth crown overall, with Roger Federer leading them to victory over Germany in the final.

The relaunched championship returned to the tennis calendar this week after a four-year absence, having lost its spot ahead of the Australian Open as a result of the short-lived ATP Cup men's team event.Â

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press