Argentina defeated Spain 3-0 in their opening Group A tie of the 2026 United Cup in Perth, Australia, with Sebastian Baez and Solana Sierra securing the singles victories that clinched the win.Sebastian Baez recorded the first ATP tour-level win of the 2026 season, defeating Jaume Munar in straight sets. Solana Sierra, a tournament debutant, secured the tie victory for Argentina with her three-set triumph over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The mixed doubles team of Maria Lourdes Carle and Guido Andreozzi completed the clean sweep with a decisive 7-6 (6), 6-2 win. This was only Argentina's second-ever tie win in the United Cup's history. Argentina will next face the United States, the defending champions, in their second group match.In a powerful statement to open their 2026 United Cup campaign, Argentina delivered a commanding 3-0 clean sweep against Spain in Group A action on Friday. The victory, orchestrated by resilient singles performances from Sebastian Baez and tournament debutant Solana Sierra, marks a significant moment for an Argentine side often considered a dark horse in the mixed-team tournament. The Baez Breakthrough The tie began with a clash of baseliners, as Sebastian Baez took on Spain's Jaume Munar. Baez, known for his relentless power and stamina, set the tone early. In a match that showcased the first ATP tour-level points of the new season, the Argentine demonstrated impressive precision and consistency, navigating Munar’s defensive prowess with intelligent shot-making. Baez secured the crucial breaks of serve in each set, ultimately clinching the match with a confident 6-4, 6-4 victory. His win provided Argentina with the early momentum and a vital 1-0 lead, easing the pressure on his younger counterpart in the women's singles match. Sierra's Star Turn The spotlight then turned to the 21-year-old Solana Sierra, making her much-anticipated debut for the national team. Facing Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Sierra produced a performance far beyond her years. The match quickly became the most dramatic of the tie, a rollercoaster of momentum and nerves. Sierra won the first set 6-4, exhibiting powerful groundstrokes and a calm demeanor. However, Bouzas Maneiro fought back fiercely in the second, leveraging her experience to take the set 7-5 and force a decider. It was in the high-stakes third set that Sierra truly shined. Re-centring herself, she unleashed a devastating display of aggressive tennis, breaking the Spanish player repeatedly and ultimately blanking her opponent with a stunning 6-0 scoreline. The victory not only secured Sierra's first senior team win but also clinched the tie for Argentina.
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The Clean Sweep With the overall victory secured, the mixed doubles rubber was played for pride and ranking points. The Argentine pairing of Maria Lourdes Carle and Guido Andreozzi faced off against Spain’s Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers and Inigo Cervantes. In a tightly contested first set that went to a tie-break, the Argentine duo demonstrated superior composure, winning it 7-6 (6). They carried that momentum into the second set, breaking early and often to close out the match 6-2, completing the emphatic 3-0 whitewash. Looking Ahead This tie represented only Argentina's second-ever win in the history of the United Cup, and the comprehensive nature of the victory sends a clear message to their Group A rivals. They now face the formidable task of taking on the United States, the defending champions, in their next match. The Americans will present a much tougher challenge, but the confidence generated from this clean sweep will be invaluable for the Argentine team. The early performances of Baez and Sierra suggest that Argentina is a team to watch in Perth, capable of causing significant disruptions in the group stage. The dream of a deep run at the United Cup is now very much alive.
Wide World of Sports
