USA claim United Cup after Taylor Fritz triumph

James Richardson
January 8, 2023

Taylor Fritz clinched the United Cup final tie with victory in the No 1 men’s singles match over Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.

While the USA raced to an insurmountable 3-0 lead, Fritz needed to battle through a pair of tiebreakers to down Berrettini 7-6(4), 7-6 (6).

Earlier in the day, Jessica Pegula and Frances Tiafoe each earned a point for Team USA.

“It’s great. It’s amazing for the team to win this event. We came in with really high hopes, or at least I did, for the event,” Fritz said. “I was really happy to be in that position to clinch the match.”

Fritz aid that the team atmosphere and joint celebrations were something to savour.

“Just the emotions when you win and everyone comes running at you, it’s amazing,” Fritz said. “I don’t know if you saw the replay but Frances basically headbutted me!”

Pegula had given Team USA the jump on Italy with a straight-sets victory against Martina Trevisan, to underline her potential to become a Grand Slam champion in 2023.

Tiafoe looked on course to sweep to victory over Lorenzo Musetti before the Italian No 2 retired from the match putting him in doubt for the Australian Open.

Pegula had to put down stern resistance from Trevisan, who looked to make up for her power deficit by being aggressive.

However, Pegula’s game was too well executed, despite some early blips from the WTA World No 3.

Tiafoe snatched a couple of early breaks to surge to a 6-2 first set win over Musetti before the Italian sought treatment for a shoulder complaint.

Fritz the capped Team USA’s fine run with a poised display against Berrettini, who had earlier earned Top 10 victories against Casper Ruud and Hubert Hurkacz in the United Cup event.

The American created but let slip nine break points he earned; however, he held his nerve and maintained his game in the critical tie-breaks.

Madison Keys would make it 4-0 to the USA in the final tie as she breezed past Lucia Bronzetti 6-3, 6-2 following the high of Fritz clinching the United Cup.

Taylor Fritz