Australia’s United Cup campaign on the rocks after Argentina loss

The first big shock of the 2025 tennis season has occurred already, with Argentina upsetting Australia on day two of the United Cup in Sydney.

The host nation entered their first tie of the tournament as $1.15 favourites across tennis bookmakers, with Argentina at a long $5.10 to upset Australia.

That is exactly what happened though, as doubles duo Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Maria Lourdes Carle stunned Matthew Ebden and Ellen Perez 6-2, 6-4 to edge out Saturday’s match up 2-1.

Earlier in the day, Nadia Podoroska had gotten Argentina off to a winning start, beating Olivia Gadecki 6-2, 6-4.

Alex de Minaur soon levelled the scores, however, with the world No.9 beating Etcheverry 6-1, 6-4 and extending his Untied Cup record to 5-2 in singles.

“I think just being back here in Sydney helped,” de Minaur said.

“I love it here. I love playing here.

“I get to play in front of friends, family and in front of my home crowd, so what better way to start the new season?”

“I’ve been putting some great work in in the pre-season.

“I felt comfortable with the way I was playing before the tournament, so I just told myself to back myself and play the type of tennis I wanted to play.”

With the tie determined by the final doubles match, live betting odds were heavily in Australia’s favour, given the pedigree of their doubles pairing.

But it was the Argentinian pair who played more fearless tennis, holding serve in crucial moments and making the most of uncharacteristic errors by their Australian opposition.

“It was a tough match for me in the singles. Alex played incredible tennis today,” Etcheverry said afterwards.

“I was with the captain in the locker room.

“I spoke to him and he asked if I was fine to play.

“I know Lourdes since we were children, very young, so it was really special for me to share the court with her.

“We got the victory, so we are extremely happy of course.”

Australia’s hopes of winning their first-ever mixed-gender team event are now on the rocks, with a strong performance required against Great Britain in their next tie.

Even if they sweep Great Britain – which the top betting apps have them as favourites to do – they will need to rely on other results to go their way, with Argentina in the box seat to win Group F now.

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