SYDNEY (AP) – Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys gave the United States (US) a 2-0 lead over Czech Republic at the new United Cup mixed teams tournament yesterday.
Fritz broke Jiri Lehecka’s serve in the ninth game of the second set and went on to beat the Czech player 6-3, 6-4. Keys followed that up with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Marie Bouzkova in the next Group C match at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney.
Two singles matches – one men’s and one women’s – will be played over each of two days, with a mixed doubles to conclude the five-match encounter on the second day.
“In a team event, first match of the year, there are always some nerves coming out, so it is great to come out and get the team ahead,” Fritz said. “Hopefully loosen everyone else up. It is a tough position to play if behind, so it is really good for the team.”
Fritz saved both break points he faced in his first head-to-head meeting with the 21-year-old Lehecka.
“When I was down, I felt that I was coming up with big serves when I needed the free points,” Fritz said. “I don’t think I played my best, but when I was down break point or 0-30, I was coming up with big serves.”
The US is the third-seeded team in the tournament and also features world number three Jessica Pegula and men’s number 19 Frances Tiafoe.
Today in singles against the Czechs, Pegula will take on two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and Tiafor plays Tomas Machac. Pegula and Fritz are scheduled to play mixed doubles for the US.
