UNITED STATES BEATS ITALY TO WIN INAUGURAL UNITED CUP

Taylor Fritz defeated Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4) 7-6(6), assisting the United States to a 3-0 lead over Italy in the final of the inaugural United Cup mixed team tournament and clinching the title on Sunday.

With his red-hot team up 2-0 and needing one more win to win the $15 million tournament, world No. 9 Fritz took the first set when his big-hitting opponent found the net in a tight tiebreak.

Fritz squandered five break chances in the next set, but held his nerve in another tiebreak to secure victory for the Americans and spark wild celebrations on the court and in the stands.

Earlier, Lorenzo Musetti withdrew from his match against Frances Tiafoe, giving the United States a 2-0 lead after Jessica Pegula defeated Martina Trevisan 6-4 6-2 at Ken Rosewall Arena.

Musetti, 20, was forced to retire after his first serve of the second set due to a right shoulder injury. The Italian was defeated 6-2 in the first game.

“He came out really well, he had a chance to go for a break early with some great returns, but he may have paid for them,” Tiafoe said.

“I thought I was performing at a very high level. I noticed he was pulling on his shoulder a lot and remained focused. I don’t want to win this way, not for my team or for myself. I hope Lorenzo is feeling better.”

Tiafoe, ranked 19th in the world, had to fight to win his first service game before breaking in the third and steamrolling to a comfortable first set win.

Musetti, on the other hand, was struggling as the game progressed, and after attempting to play after receiving treatment at the side of the court, he stepped over the net to concede.

Pegula, meanwhile, defeated Trevisan in straight sets, winning the first set 6-4 as both players struggled to hold serve.

She then took control of the second set, winning the first five games before ending Trevisan’s late comeback to win in straight sets.