Kvitova Seals Czech Republic Victory Against Germany

World No. 16 Petra Kvitova came through once again for Team Czech Republic, defeating Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-2 for her second win at the United Cup on Sunday. The victory gave the Czech Republic an insurmountable 3-0 lead over Team Germany, sealing the tie for the Czechs in Sydney.

Kvitova has come through two physical wins this week in Sydney. Her opening victory over World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, a tight 7-6(6), 6-4 win, was a big confidence boost for the former World No. 2, who saved seven set points in the first set to win in two.

That same resilience was on display against Siegemund. The scoreline betrays how tough the German made Kvitova work for the win. Siegemund generated 11 break points in the match – two more than Kvitova – but the Czech came through in the clutch. Despite 10 double faults on the day, Kvitova saved nine of 11 break points, while breaking Siegemund four times.

Germany’s Oscar Otte then earned his nation its first win at the event when he downed Dalibor Svrcina 7-6(1), 6-2 in the No. 2 men’s singles match of the Group C tie. Svrcina replaced Czech’s No. 2 men’s player, Tomas Machac, who injured his ankle in his opening match against Frances Tiafoe.

Otte, who rallied from a double break down in the first set, is currently No. 76 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings having reached a career-high No. 36 in June. A mixed doubles match will round off the Group C tie between Czech Republic and Germany in Sydney.

The United Cup is a new mixed-teams event featuring 18 countries across Brisbane, Perth and Sydney. Played over two days, ties will be comprised of two ATP and two WTA singles matches and one mixed-doubles match.