SYDNEY – Britain stormed into the knockout stage of the United Cup mixed team tournament on Sunday as Dan Evans came through a gruelling encounter against Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 win that gave his team an unassailable 3-1 lead.

The world No. 27, who recovered from illness to be part of the US$15 million (S$20.1 million) event, showed his battling qualities to overcome his Spanish rival – a late replacement for Pablo Carreno Busta – and help Britain top Group D.

“It is great to qualify Britain for the city final,” Evans said. “It has been amazing to be part of the event up to this point. Watching so much great tennis. Watching the ladies compete so hard, they’ve done so well for our team and got us some big points.”

Britain began the day with a 2-0 advantage thanks in part to Cameron Norrie’s win over Rafael Nadal on Saturday, but an ailing Paula Badosa dragged Spain back into contention as she shrugged off leg cramp to beat Harriet Dart 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-5), 6-1.

Badosa admitted she not only battled cramp but also nerves in her match.

“I don’t know what happened at the second set, I started a little bit to cramp,” she said.

“It was high intensity, first match of the year, I was nervous. But I could adapt myself. I started to play a little bit more aggressive. I’m very happy with the fight tonight because I played and fought until the last moment.”

Britain will now take on the winner of Group C comprising the United States, Czech Republic and Germany at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena on Wednesday.

Spain next play Australia, who are without Ajla Tomljanovic after she withdrew from the tournament because of a minor knee issue before the Jan 16-29 Australian Open. Nick Kyrgios is also unavailable as he gears up for the Grand Slam.

Petra Kvitova earlier beat Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-2 for her second straight victory in the tournament to give the Czechs an unassailable 3-0 lead in their tie against Germany.

Oscar Otte earned Germany their first point when he defeated Dalibor Svrcina 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 before Siegemund and Alexander Zverev teamed up for another consolation win over Marie Bouzkova and Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 7-6, (7-1).

The Czechs have one win and a defeat from two ties following their opening round-robin loss to the United States, who take on Germany next in Group C.

Bulgaria’s Alexandar Lazarov and Isabella Shinikova won the first-ever United Cup deciding mixed doubles meeting in Perth, saving a match point to beat Belgium’s David Goffin and Elise Mertens for a 3-2 triumph in Group A.

Croatia ended Argentina’s chances of advancing from Perth, winning 4-0 to hand them a second straight Group F loss.

Casper Ruud bagged Norway’s only point in their 4-1 Group E defeat by Brazil, as he downed Thiago Monteiro 6-3, 6-2 in Brisbane.

Poland cruised past Kazakhstan in Group B, with Hubert Hurkacz and Magda Linette sealing the win before Hurkacz paired with Iga Swiatek for the 4-1 win.

The United Cup is being played in three cities with two group winners from each venue meeting to determine who reaches the last-four stage.

The fourth semi-finalist will be the city final runner-up with the best record from their three matches. Sydney will host the final on Sunday. REUTERS