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Mensik Stuns Ruud as Czechia Eliminates Norway from United Cup

Jakub Mensik secured a crucial straight-sets victory over Casper Ruud to clinch Czechia's win over Norway in the United Cup. The 20-year-old Mensik showed remarkable composure, saving a set point in a second-set tie-break to seal the match. Earlier, Barbora Krejcikova made a winning United Cup debut, defeating Malene Helgo in straight sets. The win gives Czechia a 2-0 victory in the Group D tie and eliminates Norway from the competition.

Key Points: Czechia Beats Norway in United Cup as Mensik Upsets Ruud

  • Mensik wins United Cup debut
  • Upsets World No. 11 Ruud
  • Krejcikova returns from injury with win
  • Czechia wins Group D tie 2-0
  • Norway eliminated at 0-2
2 min read

United Cup: Mensik downs Ruud as Czechia seal win over Norway

Jakub Mensik defeats Casper Ruud in straight sets, and Barbora Krejcikova wins her debut to seal Czechia's 2-0 United Cup victory over Norway.

"I'm really happy that I'm here, that I can play, that I can enjoy it, that I can compete - Barbora Krejcikova"

Sydney, Jan 5

Jakub Mensik clinched Czechia's victory over Norway at the United Cup on Monday, when he defeated Casper Ruud 7-5, 7-6.

Making his United Cup debut and playing his first match of the season, Mensik's win followed Barbora Krejcikova's victory over Malene Helgo, giving Czechia a 2-0 win in the Group D tie and eliminating Norway, which fell to 0-2 this week.

Mensik, 20, is the second-youngest man to record a singles win in United Cup history, behind 18-year-old Stefanos Sakellaridis in 2023.

Mensik held his nerve late in both sets, earning a crucial break at 5-5 in the opener before serving for a one-set advantage. Mensik later rebounded after failing to serve out the match at 5-4 in the second set.

He trailed 3/5 in the second-set tie-break but won five of the following six points to survive. The winner of last year's ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami, Mensik, crushed a forehand pass cross-court when facing a set point at 5/6 in the second-set tie-break, according to ATP.

Earlier, two-time major singles champion Krejcikova made a winning United Cup debut, defeating Norway's Helgo 6-4, 6-3.

The former World No. 2 enters the 2026 WTA Tour season ranked No. 65 in the WTA Rankings after another injury setback at the end of 2025.

She reached the quarter-finals of the US Open in September, a watershed moment in her season, which had only begun in May after a recurring back injury.

"I didn't play for a long period, and the injury that I had was really tough and very unfortunate," Krejcikova said. "I'm really happy that I'm here, that I can play, that I can enjoy it, that I can compete, and I'm really happy that I can finally finish a match."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So happy for Krejcikova! Her comeback story is truly inspiring. After such a tough injury, to come back and win... it takes immense mental strength. Wishing her a healthy and successful 2026 season! 🙏
R
Rohit P
Watching these team events is always fun. It's a different vibe from individual tournaments. Tough luck for Norway and Ruud though, they are out early. Hope we get to see more of such exciting matches.
S
Sarah B
The article mentions Mensik is the second-youngest to win a singles match here. It's amazing how young athletes are achieving so much these days. The competition level is just insane.
V
Vikram M
While the focus is on the young players, I feel the article could have given a bit more context on the United Cup format itself for casual fans. The win is solid, but the reporting is a bit straightforward.
K
Kavya N
That forehand pass at set point down must have been something else! Mensik has serious guts. Czechia has a strong tennis tradition, and they seem to have found another gem. All the best to them in the next round!

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