Australia opened its 2026 United Cup campaign with a win Saturday in Sydney as Storm Hunter defeated Malene Helgo in straight sets to give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the tie.
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Hunter, 31, returned to competition last season after missing nearly a year between March 2024 and March 2025 because of an Achilles tendon injury that required surgery. She stepped in as a last-minute replacement on Saturday for Australia No. 1 Maya Joint, who was sidelined because of illness.
The experienced left-hander made a fast start against the 26-year-old Helgo, who is competing in the United Cup for the third time. Hunter broke serve twice in the opening set to take it 6-2.
Helgo, ranked No. 532 and seeking her first WTA Tour-level victory, raced to a 4-1 lead in the second set before Hunter — a former world No. 1 doubles player and a Grand Slam mixed doubles champion — rallied to level the set at 5-5.
Helgo saved three break points in a crucial 11th game to hold for a 6-5 lead, but Hunter held serve to force a tiebreak. The Australian then dominated the tiebreak to seal a 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) victory.
More to come
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