Key posts
Nick Kyrgios rocks up to practice
Despite withdrawing from the tournament with an ankle injury, Nick Kyrgios has turned up at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday for another practice session.
Nick Kyrgios at the practice courts at United Cup at Sydney Olympic Park.Credit:Nick Moir, The Sydney Morning Herald
He hit with fellow Australian and world No.982 Blake Mott on the very far court of the facility.
The day before Kyrgios managed to slip past the cameras for a practice session on the back courts while fans and media were inside Ken Rosewall Arena for the opening match of the United Cup between American Taylor Fritz and Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka.
He’s a hard man to miss, rocking up in his bright-green Tesla, his red Air Jordan cap and his green Nike sneakers.
Kokkinakis and Djokovic say hello in Adelaide
He’s not at the United Cup, but world number 93 Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis has touched down in Adelaide ahead of the Adelaide International, running into old mate Novak Djokovic.
That competition kicks off from January 1.
Thanasi Kokkinakis shakes hands with Novak Djokovic as they cross paths during a practice session ahead of the 2023 Adelaide International.
Credit:Sarah Reed/Getty Images
Afternoon update: seeing doubles
Good afternoon from the Herald newsroom, where we’re watching the second solid day of tennis at matches across Sydney, Brisbane and Perth (well, some people are actually working).
Anthony Segaert here with you as we head into our afternoon games, all doubles rubbers at the moment.
Here’s what’s happening in each stadium right now:
Ken Rosewell Arena, Sydney
The USA and the Czech Republic have just begun their doubles rubber, where the USA currently leads the first set 3-0. The doubles teams are made up of the highest-ranked singles players from each country.
Pat Rafter Arena, Brisbane
Nothing right now – but we’re expecting a doubles match between Brazil and Italy any time now.
RAC Arena, Perth
Bulgaria and Greece are also facing off in their doubles rubber. The formalities have just begun.
As usual, we’ll be streaming a feature game at the top of this blog, and you can catch every match live and free on 9Now.
United States claim 3-1 win over Czech Republic
Sadly, the Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac has had to retire midway through the second set despite leading 4-2 over Frances Tiafoe.
Tiafoe won the first set 6-4 but found himself down a break in the second. Machac’s ankle injury prevented him from continuing and handed the Americans a 3-1 victory in the tie.
Tomas Machac is assisted from the court after a fall during his match against Frances Tiafoe.Credit:AP
Italy secure 2-1 lead over Brazil
Italy has edged in front of Brazil after Matteo Berrettini secured a straight-sets win over Thiago Monteiro in Brisbane this afternoon.
Berrettini secured a 6-4, 7-6 (7) victory to provide Lucia Bronzetti a chance to secure the tie in her match against Laura Pigossi.
Matteo Berrettini of Italy celebrates victory after his match against Thiago Monteiro of Brazil Credit:Bradley Kanaris/Getty
USA on verge of victory over Czech Republic
Frances Tiafoe is one set away from leading the United States to victory over the Czech Republic.
Petra Kvitova’s win over Jessica Pegula earlier today reduced the Americans’ lead to 2-1 in the tie. Tiafoe has taken the first set against Tomas Machac and now has the chance to secure an unassailable lead heading into the mixed doubles.
Frances Tiafoe of the USA plays a backhand in his group C match against Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic during day two of the 2023 United Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena.Credit:Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Nick Kyrgios rocks up to practice
Despite withdrawing from the tournament with an ankle injury, Nick Kyrgios has turned up at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday for another practice session.
Nick Kyrgios at the practice courts at United Cup at Sydney Olympic Park.Credit:Nick Moir, The Sydney Morning Herald
He hit with fellow Australian and world No.982 Blake Mott on the very far court of the facility.
The day before Kyrgios managed to slip past the cameras for a practice session on the back courts while fans and media were inside Ken Rosewall Arena for the opening match of the United Cup between American Taylor Fritz and Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka.
He’s a hard man to miss, rocking up in his bright-green Tesla, his red Air Jordan cap and his green Nike sneakers.
Bad news for Australia
We’ve just been informed that Ajla Tomljanovic is a late withdrawal for Australia’s do-or-die showdown against Great Britain this afternoon.
Ajla Tomljanovic has been forced to withdraw with a left knee injury.Credit:Mark Evans/Getty Images
Tomljanovic has been forced to withdraw with a left knee injury. She’s been replaced by Maddison Inglis for the clash against Great Britain’s Harriet Dart.
Tennis Australia officials are still hopeful Tomljanovic will be fit to play Australia’s second tie against Spain on Tuesday.
Czech Republic get one back over the United States
The Czech Republic came into today needing to win all three matches after the United States got off to a flying start on day one.
Petra Kvitova, the player who has enjoyed the most success in Sydney of anyone at this tournament, continued her winning ways at Ken Rosewall Arena with a straight sets win over American Jessica Pegula.
The two-time Sydney International champion survived several set points in the opening set of the game to storm home and claim a 7-6, 6-4 win.
The Czech Republic will now rely on Tomas Machac to knock off Frances Tiafoe to keep it alive for the final rubber of the tie.
Welcome to day 2 of the United Cup
Welcome back to another big day at the United Cup. Australia will be looking to come back from a 2-0 deficit against Great Britain later this afternoon.
