Taylor Fritz, Madison Keys give United States strong start in United Cup

Taylor Fritz

American World No.9 Taylor Fritz and 11th-ranked Madison Keys cruised through their opening ties against the Czech Republic to get their seasons off to a winning start at the inaugural United Cup on Thursday.

The mixed team tournament features 18 countries playing in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, with each tie consisting of two men's and two women's singles rubbers along with a mixed doubles match as players warm up to the Australian Open.

Fritz got his country away to a flying start with a 6-3, 6-4 win over World No. 74 Jiri Lehecka at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena before Keys saw off Marie Bouzkova 6-4, 6-3. Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas fired his 12th ace on match point to give Greece a 2-0 lead over Bulgaria with a comeback win against Grigor Dimitrov on Thursday.

The World No.4 recovered smoothly after losing the opening set to emerge with a 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) victory in his season-opening match at Perth ahead of the Australian Open. Greek teammate Despina Papamichail, ranked 158th, gave her country the opening point as she defeated a cramping Isabella Shinikova, also finishing with a fightback to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

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