WELL-ROUNDED Czech Republic will look to continue its strong Davis Cup form with another big performance in the 2024 United Cup as it leads the way in Group E. The Czech’s do have to contend with a Novak Djokovic-led Serbia, as well as a dangerous China, but should be able to advance through to the next stage.

The trio take to the court in Perth, with Czech Republic and China kicking off group proceedings from 10am on Saturday, before Serbia clashes with China on the evening slot of New Year’s Eve. Serbia and Czech Republic conclude the group stage on Tuesday at 10am for the final day’s round robin play in Western Australia.

Czech Republic’s top two players for the tournament are Jiri Lehecka and Marketa Vondrousova who will provide a great one-two punch at the top. Djokovic will obviously be an issue for Lehecka, but Vondrousova is the top ranked WTA player in the group and the talented Czech should be able to get her side off on the right not.

Vit Kopriva replaces Tomas Machac as the second singles player, but the 26-year-old had some impressive tournaments throughout 2023 to move up to 132nd in the world. Unfortunately for the women, the 129th ranked Sara Bejlek will accompany the seventh ranked Vondrousova instead of any of the seven other top 50 Czech Republic representatives. Still, the team looms as the one to beat in the group.

It is hard to write off any team with Djokovic in it, so dismiss Serbia at your own peril. The 13th seeds are not at their absolute peak, with 20-year-old Hamad Medjedovic getting the opportunity of a lifetime to learn off one of tennis’ greatest players. Currently ranked 113th in the world, he will have some great challenges. Given the availability of Nikola Cacic for the doubles too, Djokovic may or may not be rested in that format.

On the women’s side, the top ranked Serbian player in Olga Danilovic will take the court as the underdog in her matches. At 22 years-old she has some natural talent and is still only 22. She along with second ranked Natalija Stevanovic (180th in the world) are technically a full-strength WTA side. Stevanovic is the top-ranked doubles player at 185th, while Dejana Radanovic (256th) is another singles option.

China has been a rising nation across both the men’s and women’s tennis of late, and could loom as a dark horse in the tournament. Depth is an issue, but top ranked WTA young gun Qinwen Zheng is a potential Grand Slam winner of the future with her powerful ground strokes and serving. She will be a handful in the WTA singles, while Xiaodi You (227th in the world) lines up in the second singles spot over six other top 100 Chinese players.

On the men’s side, 27-year-old Zhizhen Zhang has stepped up to the plate being China’s top ranekd talent, coming in at 58th in the world, the nation’s only top 100 player. Yunchaokete Bu (171st) is a talented 21-year-old who gets his opportunity, while 206th ranked Fajing Sun will be the nominated doubles player.

PREDICTION

An even group with Czech Republic’s one-two punch in the singles seemingly the difference. Djokovic is a star and will win when he takes the court, but he can only play in two matches which means another Serbian needs to step up. China has some potential, but aside from Zheng might struggle. Czech Republic to advance just over Serbia.