Belgium is gearing up to face Czechia in the quarter-finals of the 2026 United Cup, a highly anticipated clash scheduled for Thursday at the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney. After a stunning victory against World No. 5 Felix Auger-Aliassime just days prior, Belgian player Zizou Bergs attributed the team’s successful momentum to their surroundings, exclaiming, “Sydney vibes, you know.”
Bergs, currently ranked No. 42 in the PIF ATP Rankings, will kick off the competition by facing off against Czech star Jakub Mensik in the opening singles match at 5:30 p.m. local time. Following this encounter, Belgium’s Elise Mertens will compete against Barbora Krejcikova in what promises to be an exciting duel. Should the teams split their singles matches, a decisive mixed doubles match will determine the winner, who will then face Switzerland in the semi-finals.
Belgium’s road to the quarter-finals seemed precarious after their initial defeat to China. However, they turned things around spectacularly with a 3-0 victory over second-seeded Canada, clinching the top position in Group B. Mertens played a crucial role in this upset, overcoming rising star Victoria Mboko in a three-set battle. “I know we had to win this tie with a three-love,” Mertens commented. “I think you still focus on your own game, what you can do. You give yourself 100 percent, which we did.”
Czechia also advanced to the quarter-finals with a mixed record of 1-1 in the group stage, including a dominant 3-0 win over Norway, followed by a setback against host nation Australia. The 20-year-old Mensik aims to set a strong tone in his head-to-head debut against Bergs. Remarkably, Krejcikova and Mertens, both seasoned players with a collective history of over 1,200 singles matches, have never met on the court, adding another layer of intrigue to their upcoming match.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the event, Krejcikova remarked on the positive team spirit cultivated within the Czech contingent. “I’m really happy that I’m part of this event, this nice competition where we have a team. I think we have a really good atmosphere on the team, and it’s been working really well,” she said.
As the Belgian team embraces the energy of Sydney, the upcoming match not only showcases high-stakes tennis but also the camaraderie that enhances the competitive spirit of the United Cup. Fans can expect an electrifying showdown as both teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals.