SYDNEY: Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys have given the United States a 2-0 lead over the Czech Republic at the new United Cup mixed teams tournament on Thursday.
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.
"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.
The U.S. is the third-seeded team in the tournament and also features world No. 3 Jessica Pegula and men's No. 19 Frances Tiafoe. The Czech Republic is seeded 14th.
On Friday 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 U.S.
The inaugural United Cup has teams from 18 countries competing in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney through to Jan. 4. The three city champions and the next-best performing country from the group stage will meet at Ken Rosewall Arena from Jan. 6 to 8 to determine the overall winner. Agencies
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