Britain came close to an upset of the United Cup defending champion on Sunday before Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz rallied their way to a 2-1 group victory in Perth.
The New Year’s Eve 2-1 victory kept the US in the chase for a second title in as many editions at the mixed team event.
The Americans take on Australia on Monday with a victory sending them to the Sydney quarter-finals to be played on Friday.
The deciding mixed doubles tie was a close call, with the North American combining for a 1-6, 7-6 (5), 10-7 over Katie Boulter and Ken Skupski. Earlier, the countries split the singles in the West Australia capital.
“We have a team energy from last year here, we don’t want to take a loss and let it die,” Fritz said.
Pegula, was just relieved to get through: “To get a win in this fashion after such a long day (on court) brings back a lot of memories.
“It was a big win today, especially after losing such a tough singles match.”
The day began as Boulter beat WTA No. 5 Pegula 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, coming from a double break down in the second set and marking a first win over a top-five player.
“This was a very hard match for both of us,” Boulter said “I play my best tennis when I’m smiling and having fun. I kept trying to get over the line.”
No. 10 Fritz, put his big serve to best use, beating Cameron Norrie 7-6 (5), 6-4 while receiving treatment on his left quad muscle.
“I strained something but got through it. I got lucky at the end of the (first set) tiebreaker and in the second my serve kept me in it and I managed to steal a break.”
.In group play at Sydney, Canada defeated Chile.
