Shelby Baron of the United States lunges for a return during her Wednesday match against Mexico's Lisbeth Alondra Soto Rivera.
By Jeremiah Yolkut, special to USTA.com
SEOUL, Korea -- Undaunted and undefeated, the champs continue to dominate.
The U.S. Quad team faced Japan in their final pool match, defeating Japan 3-0, continuing a streak of perfection in their World Team Cup title defense. Coach Jason Harnett decided to mix up the line-up once again, allowing Nick Taylor to have the day off in singles. Bryan Barten filled in to take the No. 2 singles position on Wednesday and easily dispatched Koga Takahiro in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1. Defending US Open Quad singles and doubles champion David Wagner followed Barten and did of much the same to his opponent, Kawano Shota, 6-2, 6-2. In the doubles, Taylor rejoined Wagner to turn in a flawless performance against Takahiro and partner Nagaoka Takashi 6-0, 6-0, in a final tune-up before semifinal matchups begin Friday, where they will face England.
Meanwhile, the U.S. juniors secured a top four finish by dispatching Mexico in short order on Wednesday. Shelby Baron began the day with a fast start, winning 6-0, 6-1 over Lisbeth Alondra Soto Rivera in singles before Chris Herman clinched the tie with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Carlos Daniel Muro Chavarria. The victory secured the U.S. the a chance to take down top-seeded England on Thursday. In the doubles, Kate Stuteville joined Baron in assuring another 3-0 sweep for the young Americans, 6-2, 7-6 (3) over the tandem of Rivera and Chavarria.
For the Quads and Juniors, it was the third-consecutive day of action in Seoul. The U.S. men and women had the day off on Wednesday as they await their next opponents on Thursday.
Wednesday's Results:
Quad Team
USA (1) d. Japan (4) 3-0
Bryan Barten (USA) d. Koga Takahiro (JPN) 6-2 6-1
David Wagner (USA) d. Kawano Shota (JPN) 6-2 6-2
Nick Taylor/David Wagner (USA) d. Koga Takahiro/Nagaoka Takashi (JPN) 6-0 6-0
Junior Team
USA (6) d. Mexico (8) 3-0
Shelby Baron (USA) d. Lisbeth Alondra Soto Rivera (MEX) 6-0 6-1
Chris Herman (USA) d. Carlos Daniel Muro Chavarria (MEX) 6-1 6-1
Shelby Baron/Kate Stuteville (USA) d. Carlos Daniel Muro Chavarria/Lisbeth Alondra Soto Rivera (MEX) 6-2 7-6(3)
Thursday's Schedule:
Juniors: USA vs. England
Women’s: USA vs. Chile
Quads: Off
Men’s: USA vs. Japan