PERTH: Stefanos Tsitsipas found his winning touch in his return to action from injury as he led Greece to a 3-0 victory over Japan on Friday in an ATP-WTA United Cup group match.
The former world number three eliminated Shintaro Mochizuki 6-3, 6-4 in singles play as he played his first match in almost four months after a recurring back injury forced him to take a break from the sport.
“I had a lot of uncertainty, I didn’t know if I could compete,” Tsitsipas said.
“But playing at this level is something I’m very grateful for.
“I’m healthy and that’s the most important thing in the world.
“I hope this tournament can give me a little confidence before the Australian Open (January 18-February 1),” added the two-time Grand Slam finalist, 27.
Her teammate Maria Sakkari started the tie with a 6-4, 6-2 loss to Naomi Osaka.
The former Japanese world number one is suffering from a cold and did not perform at her best in Perth.
“I wasn’t performing at the percentage I would have liked, I wasn’t playing amazing,” said the four-time Grand Slam champion.
“Honestly, it wasn’t a bad first game for what it was.
“I’m grateful to have another one to play. I don’t have to be afraid of making mistakes.”
Tsitsipas and Sakkari then teamed up for the Greek mixed doubles to beat Japanese duo Yasutaka Uchiyama and Nao Hibino 6-2, 6-3.
Earlier, Sebastian Baez and Solana Sierra led Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Spain.
World number 45 Baez got Argentina on the scoreboard with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Jaume Munar, securing a surprise victory on hard court after just three wins in nine matches on surface last season.
The South Americans secured victory when Sierra, a tournament debutant ranked 66th, held her nerve for a 6-4, 5-7, 6-0 win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
The 21-year-old, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon last year, said: “I knew I had to be tough.
“I’m super happy with my level.”
Argentina then won the mixed doubles in straight sets.
Ties at the United Cup include men’s singles and women’s singles and mixed doubles, with the group winners in each host city – Perth and Sydney – advancing to the quarter-finals with the top finishers.
Published in Dawn, January 3, 2026
