Team Australia and Team Czech Republic won their opening ties at the United Cup. Whoever wins their tie on Day 5 will progress to the quarterfinals. The consistent Alex de Minaur, two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova, and rising star Jakub Mensik will all be in action. The other United Cup Day 5 matches, including Jasmine Paolini vs Leolia Jeanjean and Victoria Mboko vs Elise Mertens, are predicted in separate articles.
United Cup Day 5 Predictions
Storm Hunter/John-Patrick Smith vs Barbora Krejcikova/Jakub Mensik
Head-to-head: First meeting
Hunter and Smith are decent doubles players who have played the format regularly. However, Krejcikova’s presence will make the Czechs challenging to beat. She was part of a legendary doubles team with Katerina Siniakova, and her pivotal role in it has become underrated because of Siniakova’s continued success. Mensik also has a game suited to doubles, making Hunter and Smith’s task even harder.
Prediction: Krejcikova/Mensik in 2
Maya Joint vs Barbora Krejcikova
Head-to-head: First meeting
19-year-old Joint made outstanding progress in 2025, winning two titles, but her solid, non-flashy style meant she slipped somewhat under the radar. Krejcikova often starts seasons slowly. Staying fit and avoiding further injuries might be her primary concern at the United Cup. The 2024 Wimbledon winner played okay in her opening match against Malene Helgo. However, she will almost certainly need a better performance against Joint, and I think the Australian’s solidness can make the difference.
Prediction: Joint in 3
Alex de Minaur vs Jakub Mensik
Head-to-head: De Minaur 4-0 Mensik
Three of de Minaur’s triumphs against Mensik occurred last year. The young star’s natural desire to be aggressive and a shot-maker is nullified by the 26-year-old’s speed and resilience. Although Mensik must have learned from past meetings, I doubt his first victory over de Minaur will come in this matchup. Despite Mensik beating Casper Ruud and de Minaur losing to the same opponent, this is a matchup that suits the Australian better.
Prediction: de Minaur in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images