Machac & Muchova record opening United Cup victory for the Czech Republic | ATP tour

“This is what you expect at every match,” said Ruud. “You actually hope it won't be that tough, but what a way to start the new season.”

In the 2024 edition of the mixed-teams event, Ruud won all three of his singles matches to help Norway reach the quarter-finals. The 26-year-old is off to another good start, even though he conceded nine break points, six of which he saved, according to Infosys ATP Stats.

“If every match becomes this tough, it will be a tough one [season]', said Ruud. “But happy to start the new season and great to be back in Sydney. I have many good memories of this special court. I like playing here and I like playing here in front of the crowd.”

Ruud and Machac are two of the best baseliners on the ATP Tour and their efforts were visible everywhere. Ruud received a visit from the ATP physiotherapist for his quad and during the subsequent changes, Norwegian captain – and Casper's father – Christian Ruud massaged his left quad. Machac himself was not having an easy time and shook his elbow several times.

Machac pulled off a daring forehand winner to take the second set and force a decider. But Ruud broke his opponent's serve early in the third set and was able to hold on to take a 3-0 lead in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

Muchova got the Czech Republic off to a winning start with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Norway's Malene Helgø.

Twelve months ago, Muchova missed the Australian swing due to a wrist injury that required surgery, an injury that only saw her return to the competitive field six months ago. But the 2023 Roland Garros finalist was sharp from the first ball in her opening match of 2025, surpassing the world number 404 in just over an hour.

Muchova broke four times in just one hour and 17 minutes, losing her own serve only once and winning more than 50 percent of the points played in Helgø's service games.

While Helgø only led once in the match (she broke Muchova's serve to start the second set) she showed a competitive spirit more than once. She saved three set points in the final game of the opening set before losing it, and also saved a match point in a multi-deuce game before succumbing to defeat.

More than a year removed from her career-high ranking of number 317, 25-year-old Helgø is still looking for her first United Cup win. She made her tour-level debut in the 2023 competition and is now 0-6 all-time in United Cup singles matches.