NEEDING to close out a decisive mixed doubles match to secure the victory, Czech Republic pair Karolina Muchova and Tomas Machac got the job done against Norwegian pair Ulrikke Eikeri and Viktor Durasovic at the 2025 United Cup. The duo got up 6-4 6-4 in the clash, with Muchova also picking up a singles win on the day.

The Group B clash in Sydney saw the Grand Slam finalist crush lowly ranked Norwegian Malene Helgo in 77 minutes, 6-2 6-2. The victory was crucial for the Czechs, as Top 10 men’s singles player Casper Ruud ground out a three-set epic victory over Machac, 7-6 5-7 6-4 in just under three hours before the higher ranked nation closed out the tie in a straight sets mixed doubles win.

Norway opted to play Durasovic in the mixed doubles rather than Ruud, with the latter no doubt using the United Cup as a way to gain fitness ahead of the Australian Open. However Machac was able to back up from the long singles clash to support Muchova in the doubles and get it done which ultimately handed the Czechs the tie victory.

Machac is a proven mixed doubles specialist as well, having won gold at the recent Paris Olympics with another Czech in Katerina Siniakova. It was both side’s first match of the tournament, with Norway having to back up again tomorrow against a stacked Polish lineup that features Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz.

“After the singles, I was not even thinking that I would not play mixed doubles,” Machac said. “I like to play doubles, especially mixed doubles with Kaia. Kaia is [an] unbelievable player. I was looking forward to play… We were playing great. I was happy with that.”

CZECH REPUBLIC (2) defeated NORWAY (1)

Karolina Muchova (CZE) defeated Malene Helgo (NOR) 6-2 6-2
Casper Ruud (NOR) defeated Tomas Machac (CZE) 7-6 5-7 6-4
K. Muchova/T. Machac (CZE) defeated U. Eikeri/V. Durasovic (NOR) 6-4 6-4

In the other match in Perth, Germany kick-started its title defence with a victory over Brazil. After the South Americans suffered a defeat to China on Friday, they needed to win 3-0 to be any chance of advancing through the group. Unfortunately, it was not to be as Laura Siegemund and Alexander Zverev won their respective singles matches to quickly wrap up the tie.

Siegemund’s upset win over Haddad Maia marked the end of a disappointing campaign for the Brazilian who went down in a shock loss to Gao Xinyu two days prior. Though looking on top through the second set and at times in the third set, it was Siegemund who regained control in the decider to win 6-3 1-6 6-4 in two hours and 34 minutes.

“It’s the first match of the year against such a great player, it’s not easy,” Siegemund said post-match. “So I have to, out of the pocket, pull my best game basically, and I just tried to focus on that and stay cool in the [big] moments.”

The victory essentially guaranteed Germany a tie win, with Top 5 player Zverev taking on Brazilian top ranked male Thiago Monteiro. As expected, Zverev shook off some rust from a month off to defeat Monteiro in straight sets 6-4 6-4 and secure the victory for Germany.

GERMANY (3) defeated BRAZIL (0)

Laura Siegemund (GER) defeated Beatrice Haddad Maia (BRA) 6-3 1-6 6-4
Alexander Zverev (GER) defeated Thiago Monteiro (BRA) 6-4 6-4
L. Siegemund/T. Puetz (GER) defeated B. Haddad Maia/R. Matos (BRA) 7-6 6-4