Czechia
The Czechs’ one semifinal appearance across the first three editions of the United Cup feels like an under-performance for a nation that has, historically, punched above its weight—in team events and otherwise. But 2026 might be the year they change that behind first-time participants Jakub Mensik and Barbora Krejcikova.
The 20-year-old Mensik came into his own in 2025, winning his first ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami, and all-court ace Krejcikova should logically excel in a format that gives equal weight to singles and mixed doubles.
While the newly-minted 30-year-old’s health is a question mark, again, after she retired from two of her final three tournaments of 2025, a healthy Krejcikova has the game to take it to any of the top women in the field, from Gauff and Swiatek to Belinda Bencic and Naomi Osaka.
Seeded just No. 11 in the competition, the Czechs are in Group D alongside hosts Australia and Norway.
