USA overcome Italy in inaugural United Cup final with 3-0 win, Taylor Fritz with decisive win over Matteo Berrettini

The United States won the inaugural United Cup after a clinical 3-0 win over Italy, following Taylor Fritz’s stunning victory over Matteo Berrettini.

Fritz edged out an incredibly tense encounter with Berrettini, winning 7-6(4), 7-6 (6) to give David Witt’s side an unassailable 3-0 lead.

The 25-year-old emerged victorious despite losing all nine of this break points, but held his nerve to prevail in both tie-breaks.

Berrettini was able to save the first championship point, but only seemed to delay the inevitable, as Fritz ultimately capitalised on the Italian missing a forehand shot after the players switched sides.

Fritz won the match in two hours and 16 minutes to spark wild scenes of celebration from Team USA, in this warm-up event for the Australian Open.

Jessica Pegula registered the first win for the States with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over Martina Trevisan. That lead was doubled when Frances Tiafoe defeated Lorenzo Musetti, who was forced to retire due to a shoulder injury after losing the first set 6-2.

Despite winning in straight sets, it was far from straightforward for Pegula, who was troubled by Trevisan’s aggressive play on the court.

Trevisan recovered from being 3-0 and 4-2 down in the first, managing to level the score at 4-4 with several stinging forehands.

However, she lost her aggression at a vital moment by backing off with the score at 4-5, allowing Pegula to smash home a forehand to reach set point, capitalising on the opportunity with a fine backhand winner.

The American also wrapped up the second set with a backhand, as 31 unforced errors for Trevisan ultimately proved costly.

Tiafoe doubled the USA’s lead after breaking Musetti’s serve early on, easing his way through the first set and saving all three of the break points faced.

It soon became clear that Musetti would be unable to continue after looking in apparent pain, clutching his right shoulder.

Despite receiving treatment from the physio in the changeover, it was ultimately to no avail and Musetti retired.

Fritz’s victory followed to secure a thoroughly deserved win for Team USA, who only dropped two individual matches during the tournament.

None of their matches being decided closer than a 4-1 scoreline, as attention now turns to the start of the Australian Open on January 16.

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