Belgium channels Sydney vibes against Czechia in United Cup quarters
Zizou Bergs’ upset over Felix Auger-Aliassime has Belgium buzzing with unexpected momentum at the 2026 United Cup, but Czechia’s blend of youth and experience tests that surge in Thursday’s quarterfinal clash under Ken Rosewall Arena’s lights.
In the charged air of Ken Rosewall Arena, Belgium’s run at the 2026 United Cup feels like a spark catching fire. Zizou Bergs stunned World No. 5 Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets on Tuesday, his precise inside-out forehands slicing through the Canadian’s defenses on Sydney’s fast indoor hard courts. That victory flipped the script for a team that stumbled in their opener, now eyeing a semifinal spot against Switzerland if they navigate Thursday’s quarterfinal against Czechia.
Bergs, ranked No. 42, opens the tie at 5:30 p.m. local time against 20-year-old Jakub Mensik in their first ATP Head2Head meeting. The Belgian’s heavy topspin could pull the Czech wide, opening crosscourt opportunities, while Mensik’s blistering serves demand deep returns to stay in rallies. Elise Mertens follows with her own debut against two-time major champion Barbora Krejcikova, two 30-year-old veterans who’ve combined for over 1,200 singles matches yet never crossed paths on this stage.
“Sydney vibes, you know,” said Bergs in his post-match press conference.
Bergs rides upset wave into tense opener
Belgium’s path to the last eight began with a defeat to China, but a 3-0 sweep over second-seeded Canada rebuilt their confidence. Mertens ground out a three-set win over teenage sensation Victoria Mboko, her underspin returns slowing the pace to force errors in key moments. That clean sweep secured Group B atop, transforming early doubt into a unified push forward.
Bergs steps in with that lift, his flatter groundstrokes suited to the surface’s skid, potentially disrupting Mensik’s rhythm. The Czech, fresh from a straight-sets demolition of Norway’s Casper Ruud, favors aggressive net rushes and down-the-line winners that could shorten points. One break in the opening rubber might tilt the psychological balance, with the crowd’s energy amplifying every shift.
“I know we had to win this tie with a three-love,” said Mertens after that win. “I think you still focus on your own game, what you can do. You give yourself 100 per cent, which we did. The team behind me gave me a lot of energy.”
Veterans clash in uncharted baseline duel
Czechia’s group stage mirrored Belgium’s uneven start—a commanding 3-0 over Norway followed by a 1-2 loss to host Australia—blending highs with hard lessons. Krejcikova enters unbeaten in Sydney singles this year, her all-court game thriving on variety, from slice approaches to inside-in forehands that pin opponents deep. Against Mertens, who mixes heavy topspin loops with drop shots for tempo control, the rubber promises tactical chess on a court rewarding precision.
The Belgian’s superior returns could neutralize Krejcikova’s serve-volley patterns, forcing extended crosscourt exchanges that test endurance. At 30, both draw from deep experience, but the novelty adds mental layers—Mertens might target the Czech’s backhand with one-two combinations, while Krejcikova’s scrambling defense turns defense into sudden offense. Team support fuels them equally, turning individual pressure into shared resolve amid the arena’s humid buzz.
“I’m really happy that I’m part of this event, this nice competition where we have a team,” said the Czech earlier this week. “I think we have a really good atmosphere on the team, and it’s been working really well. it’s an honour to be here and to experience this.”
Team bonds push toward semifinal horizon
If the singles split, mixed doubles decides the tie, blending stars in partnerships that demand trust and quick adjustments under fatigue. Belgium’s ‘Sydney vibes’ have carried them from outsiders to contenders, with surface tweaks like deeper positioning against pace proving key. Czechia counters with Mensik’s baseline power and Krejcikova’s poise, their 1-1 group record hiding resilience built on atmosphere.
The outcome shapes a potential Saturday semifinal against Switzerland, where hard-court familiarity will again demand endurance. Belgium’s surge tests whether momentum can outlast experience, as every rally peels back layers of strategy and spirit. In this mixed-teams format, the quarterfinal becomes a proving ground, with the winner advancing to chase deeper narratives in the 2026 United Cup.
Read more on the ATP Tour preview.
