The United States defeated Britain 2-1 on Sunday, but Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz had to battle through a decisive doubles match to keep their country in the running for the victory at the United Cup.
After splitting the singles matches, the reigning champions, who took home the trophy from Italy in January, prevailed 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), 10-7 in the mixed doubles to win in Perth.
“We have a team energy from last year here, we don’t want to take a loss and let it die,” said Fritz, who was broken twice in the opening set.
World number five Pegula added: “To get a win in this fashion after such a long day (on court) brings back a lot of memories.
“It was a big win today, especially after losing such a tough singles match.”
Britain, who beat Australia to open their tournament account, took a 1-0 lead when Pegula crashed 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 to Katie Boulter in the singles.
It was Boulter’s first win over a top-five player on her seventh attempt after she bounced back from a set and double-break down.
“This was a very hard match for both of us,” said the 56th-ranked Boulter. “I play my best tennis when I’m smiling and having fun.
“I kept trying to get over the line. I thrive in a team atmosphere… so many tennis heads giving information. It helps you to think clearly.”
Pegula’s 10th-ranked teammate Fritz kept the tie alive despite a thigh strain he blamed on over-training, defeating Cameron Norrie 7-6 (5), 6-4.
“I strained something but got through it,” said Fritz. “Cam and I have played so many times (14). It’s always a battle, always close.”
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will play China’s Zhang Zhizhen to start his Serbian campaign tomorrow. The Chinese squad is coming off a 3-0 victory against the Czech Republic.
Leylah Fernandez, a former US Open finalist, won her rubber in the singles match and then provided support in the crucial mixed doubles match to lead Canada to a valiant victory over Chile in Sydney.
Canada had a great start with to the 35th-ranked Fernandez, who easily defeated Daniela Seguel of Chile 6-2, 6-3 in 73 minutes.
The world number 19 Nicolas Jarry defeated 314th-ranked Steven Diez 7-5, 6-4 in the men’s singles after Canadian number one Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew.
It set up a deciding mixed doubles, with Fernandez teaming with Diez to battle past Seguel and Tomas Barrios Vera 7-5, 4-6, 10-8.
“I’m extremely happy with the way I played,” said Fernandez, who was part of the Canadian team that won the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time this year.
The 21-year-old broke five times in her singles clash against a player in her first WTA Tour-level singles match in nearly two years, using the serve-and-volley tactic well.
“First match of the season so had some nerves, but happy with the way I was able to handle it,” she said.