United Cup 2025: Katie Poulter leads Great Britain to impressive win over Argentina in Sydney | Tennis news

Katie Poulter got her 2025 season off to a winning start, leading Great Britain to their opening victory over Argentina in the FA Cup on Monday.

Poulter beat Nadia Podoroska in straight sets in Sydney, then combined with Charles Broome in the mixed doubles to secure a draw after Billy Harris lost his singles rubber to Tomas Etcheverry.

The British top seed, who may face her fiancé Alex de Minaur this week when Britain faces Australia, won 6-2, 6-3 over Podoroska, ranked 100th in the world, in their first meeting.

Harris, who joined the men’s team in the absence of the injured Jack Draper, appeared ready to continue his winning streak when he won the first set against Echeverry 6-3.

But the 66 seeding gap kicked in, and Echeverry won the next two sets 6-3, 6-2 to level the tie, leaving Poulter and Broome to secure victory with a 7-6 (7-4), 7-5 win over Echeverry, 6-2. Maria Lourdes Carl.

“I am very happy with what I achieved today,” Poulter said. “Last year I played well in singles and did not win any matches in mixed doubles, so I wanted this title very much.”

“I feel like we played great together considering it was our first time. But I’m very happy to get the win.”

Great Britain take on Australia on Wednesday at 5am, live Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports TennisA win will guarantee a place in the quarter-finals.

Germany is the defending champion in the team tournament, which is part of the preparations for the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.

Osaka wins comeback amid protests against her opponent

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka made her triumphant return to the court after a nearly three-month absence in the first round of the Auckland Classic, undeterred by off-court protests against her Israeli opponent.

Osaka defeated qualifier Lena Glushko 6-4, 6-4 in a close match in her first match since October, when a back injury at the China Open ended her season in 2024.

Osaka had to deal with strong winds on Center Court and play was delayed by chants from a small group of protesters that could clearly be heard inside the stadium. There was a longer break as Osaka was about to take the first set when Glushko had to leave the court to receive treatment for a thigh injury.

“I heard a lot of screaming, and then people on the sidelines told me there were protests,” Osaka said.

“I had no idea what the score was most of the time. I kept trying to tell myself one point at a time and trying not to get discouraged. Fortunately the score came out in my favor in the end.”

British Emma Raducano also returned to action on Tuesday morning in Auckland.

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