CZECH Republic will face off against top seeds the United States for a spot in the 2025 United Cup final. The wildcard-receiving nation – that finished second in its group due to a loss to Poland – made good on its second chance with an impressive victory over Italy in the quarter finals last night.

The singles pair of Karolina Muchova and Tomas Machac were outstanding in wins over Jasmine Paolini and Flavio Cobolli respectively, denying Italy a third straight team-event title. Currently holding both the Davis and Billie Jean King Cups, Italy was on the ropes when Top 5 talent Paolini won just four games in against a red-hot Muchova.

Playing lights out tennis, the talented Czech never looked like losing, and though Paolini put up a fight for an hour and 42 minutes to make the world number 22 earn every point, it was to no avail as the 28-year-old powered the Czech Republic to a surprise lead.

“I really wanted to bring a point to the team so I was trying to stay focused,” Muchova said. “Jasmine is an unbelievable player. It was a really tough match. I knew I had to go until the end. She had many break chances. I think I served well. I’m really happy I made it.”

Muchova’s recent form is undeniable, beating Paolini at last year’s US Open, and then Top 10 players Aryna Sabalenka (then second) and Qinwen Zheng (seventh) in the Beijing Masters. Just two days earlier, Muchova had world number two Iga Swiatek on the ropes as well before suffering a tough loss. There was no such struggle against Paolini in a dominant scoreline.

If those watching had thought Muchova did it easy, nothing could have prepared them for Machac’s dismantling of his direct opponent, Cobolli. Dropping just three games in 54 minutes, the Czech raced through the opening set in 23 minutes, and before the hour was up, had sent his nation to the United Cup semi-finals.

So impressed with his own performance, Machac jokingly compared his output to that of former world number one, Novak Djokovic.

“I think this is the highest level of tennis that I can play,” Machac said. “I’m really happy to play like this in such an important moment. I was surprised how I played great without any mistakes and I didn’t give him any opportunity to come back”

“I know I have this kind of level… when I saw how the match was going I just tried to be strong mentally for as long as possible. I was playing like Novak!”

The Czech Republic have a quick backup today when they take on the United States in the evening session, right after the earlier semi-final clash between Poland and Kazakhstan.

CZECH REPUBLIC (2) defeated ITALY (0)

Karolina Muchova (CZE) defeated Jasmine Paolini (ITA) 6-2 6-2
Tomas Machac (CZE) defeated Flavio Cobolli (ITA) 6-1 6-2