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United Cup: Switzerland leads Kazakhstan after Bencic’s comeback

United Cup: Switzerland leads Kazakhstan after Bencic’s comeback

United Cup: Switzerland leads Kazakhstan after Bencic’s comeback

United Cup: Switzerland leads Kazakhstan after Bencic’s comeback

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  • Marc extends Switzerland’s lead to 2-0 against Kazakhstan in Group B.
  • Putintseva had an early break advantage in both games.
  • Wawrinka faces another playing captain, Alexander Bublik, in men’s singles.
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On Day 1 of the United Cup, Belinda Bencic began her campaign with a difficult 7-6(0), 6-3 victory against No. 51 Yulia Putintseva, and on Thursday, Marc-Andrea Huesler increased Switzerland’s lead against Kazakhstan in Group B to 2-0.

Putintseva had an early break advantage in both games, but Bencic calmly reeled her in to seal the victory in straight sets.

Bencic overcame three set points on her serve in the first set after going behind 4-1 to tie the score at 5-5. After 72 minutes, she carried her momentum into the tiebreak, where she maintained her perfect record to win the first set.

“There is a focus. Even though occasionally I feel like I need to let out a little bit of steam, that’s just me, I’m not really letting myself to or [coach Dmitry Tursunov is] not really allowing me to have temper tantrums. I’m working very hard to stay present, focused, and non-destructive while still being angry—sort of in a good way. Even though I have to constantly remind myself, I believe it will eventually become a habit “explained Bencic.

“Even though I thought Yulia was playing extremely well and hitting the ball faster than usual, as if she were trying for it more, I just felt fine continuing the match and maintaining my optimistic attitude. I had to wait until she cried before I could act “Added she.

Bencic made another comeback in the second set, albeit one that was less dramatic. The Swiss Olympic champion maintained her poise while trailing 3-1. Stan Wawrinka, the team’s captain, and coach Dmitry Tursunov encouraged Bencic to keep going as she fixed her mistakes and increased the pressure to win the following five matches.

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“How can you not pay attention to what such a champion is saying you? I was attempting to pay attention, concentrate, and complete my tasks “In reference to Wawrinka, Bencic stated.

With the win, Bencic and Putintseva’s head-to-head record is now tied at three. She will play Poland’s No. 2 seed in her next singles match, where she is set to face No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

Huesler had to put in a lot of effort as well; after 2 hours and 23 minutes, he defeated Timofey Skatov, 21, by scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Inside Pat Rafter Arena, Skatov fought and clawed for his nation, displaying the quality that gained him his maiden ATP Challenger Tour victory in Italy last October. However, the Swiss player handled the pressure too coolly, saving six of the seven break points he encountered.

At age 26, Huesler is ranking at a career-high No. 56 in the ATP Rankings and playing the greatest tennis of his career. The southpaw was just within the Top 200 at this time last year after winning his maiden ATP Tour championship in Sofia.

When Wawrinka plays another competing captain, Alexander Bublik, in the No. 1 men’s singles match on Friday, he will have the opportunity to break the tie for his nation. The Kazakhstani has a 2-0 advantage in their head-to-head ATP meetings; both of their prior meetings took place in 2022. (the second lasted three games before Wawrinka retired).

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