Australia’s Storm Hunter (R) and Matthew Ebden (C) hit a return against USA’s Jessica Pegula and Rajeev Ram (L) during their mixed doubles match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Perth. - AFP PIC
Australia’s Storm Hunter (R) and Matthew Ebden (C) hit a return against USA’s Jessica Pegula and Rajeev Ram (L) during their mixed doubles match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Perth. - AFP PIC

Australia defeated the defending champion United States in Perth on Monday to advance to the quarterfinals of the United Cup.

Group C was decided in mixed doubles when Matthew Ebden and Storm Hunter beat Jessica Pegula and Rajeev Ram 6-3, 6-1.

Alex de Minaur gave the host nation an early lead with a 6-4, 6-2 defeat of Taylor Fritz, but Pegula kept the U.S. alive with a 7-6 (6), 6-3 defeat of Ajla Tomljanovic.

Poland also advanced to the final eight of the 18-nation event with a 2-1 win in Group A against Spain in Perth.

After Alejandro Davidovich Fokina put Spain ahead with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Hubert Hurkacz, Poland got a 6-2, 6-1 win from Iga Swiatek against Sara Sorribes Tomo. Swiatek and Hurkacz teamed up to crush Sorribes Tormo and Davidovich Fokina 6-0, 6-0 in the decider.

In Sydney on Monday, France defeated Germany 2-1 in Group D and Norway defeated Croatia 2-1 in Group F.--REUTERS