Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys gave the United States a 2-0 lead against the Czech Republic on Thursday in the United Cup, the new tournament for mixed teams.
Fritz had no surprises in his match against Jiri Lehecka, whom he defeated 6-3, 6-4. For her part, Keys defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-4, 6-3 in the next Group C match, played at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.
“In a team competition, in the first game of the year, there are always nerves, so it’s good to go out and promote the team. I hope the others relax. It’s a difficult position to play if you’re behind, so it’s very good for the team,” said Fritz.
The United States is seeded third in the tournament and also has world number 3 Jessica Pegula and men’s number 19 Frances Tiafoe.. On Friday in singles against the Czechs, Pegula faces two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and Tiafoe plays Tomas Machac.
In other results, the Italy-Brazil duel at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane was tied 1-1 after the first day. Beatriz Haddad Maia gave Brazil a 1-0 lead with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Martina Trevisan before Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti beat Felipe Meligeni Alves 6-3, 6-4.
united cup
First day results
GROUP C
TheUnited States – Czech Republic (2-0)
Taylor Fritz def. Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4
Madison Keys def. Marie Bouzkova 6-4, 6-3
The
Group E
Italy – Brazil (1-1)
Lorenzo Musetti def. Felipe Meligeni Alves 6-3, 6-4
Beatriz Haddad Maia def. Martina Trevisan 6-2, 6-0
Source: La Verdad
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