As the competition progresses, the level continues to rise along with the various performances offered by the athletes on the courts of the Nice Lawn Tennis Club. Here’s a closer look at what shouldn’t have been missed on this third day.
Under the arid heat of the Azurean climate, Belgian Elise Mertens, ranked 30th in the world, faced Spaniard Rebeka Masarova, ranked 72nd in the world, to kick off the hostilities. After a very contested first set, which Mertens took (7-6 3). The second was almost one-sided, dominated this time by Masarova (6-2). In the end, it was Mertens who claimed the super tie-break. Dominant, the Limburger took early control of the set to win 10-5.
On his part, world number one Carlos Alcaraz faced the experienced David Goffin. After a struggle, let’s say, a fierce one, it was the Spaniard who narrowly came out on top. Trailing 4-0 in the super tie-break, Alcaraz achieved a stunning comeback by winning 10-8. Final result: (6-4 / 6-4 / 10-8).
In mixed doubles this time, it was the Belgians who easily took the lead! Against a tired Rebeka Masarova and Carlos Alcaraz, Belgium wasted no time and secured a prestigious victory in two sets (6-3 / 6-1) in just one hour of play.
This is not a goodbye
After their great victory the day before, it was the French players who faced the Swiss for a place in the final! And it started off well since Alizรฉ Cornet managed to defeat the young Swiss Cรฉline Naef. A first set largely dominated by Naef (6-1), followed by a tenacious Alizรฉ Cornet who fought to the end to secure a precious victory (1-6 / 6-3 / 10-8) in 2 hours and 15 minutes of play.
Richard Gasquet meanwhile struggled against a very solid Leandro Riedi. Despite winning the first set 6-3, Riedi gave him few opportunities in the second (6-3). Like all the singles matches on this third day, the game was decided in the super tie-break. Unfortunately, Gasquet just missed out, offering a 10-8 to his opponent.
By now, you know the format. A women’s singles, a men’s singles, and then we switch to mixed doubles. And in this contest, the Swiss were ruthless. Just like against the Danes, whom they dominated on Wednesday, Cรฉline Naef and Leandro Riedi did it again against the French. Alizรฉ Cornet and Richard Gasquet were valiant to the end, but it wasn’t enough today. In the end, it’s a victory in two sets for the Swiss (6-4 / 7-5) and a farewell for our French players in this 2023 Hopman Cup.
Stay tuned for tomorrow: the Spaniards Rebeka Masarova and Carlos Alcaraz will face the Croats Donna Vekiฤ and Borna ฤoriฤ!
