The 2026 season is now well underway, with the United Cup at the forefront of the action, where ATP and WTA stars are competing.
The USA are aiming to defend their United Cup title, while hosts Australia are among the teams looking to topple them.
But also looking to make waves are Czechia, who are playing in Group D along with the hosts and Norway.
And they made a winning start to their 2026 United Cup journey, instigated by Barbora Krejcikova’s victory over Malene Helgo.
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Barbora Krejcikova issues injury update after United Cup win
Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam singles champion, suffered an injury-hit 2025 season, but has now started her 2026 season in winning fashion.
Sharing an injury update, she said after the match: “I didn’t play for a long period, and the injury that I had was really tough and very unfortunate.
“I’m really happy that I’m here, that I can play, that I can enjoy it, that I can compete, and I’m really happy that I can finally finish a match.
“The knee is better. It took some time, but it’s improving every day and I’m very happy with that.”
Barbora Krejcikova says how this year is already different to 2025
Knee and back injuries prevented the Czech star from playing as much as she would have liked last season, but fortunately she is seemingly almost back to full fitness.
Krejcikova shared a further update on that side of her game in her post-match press conference, where she said: “I mean, I’m very excited.
“I’m very excited I can be here, that I can play, that I’m fit to play, that I can start the season from the beginning, which last year I wasn’t.
“And I mean, I’m also 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. It’s an honor to be here and to experience this.”
Pick your all-time dream United Cup squad!
It was a winning United Cup debut for Krejcikova, and the same can be said for her compatriot Jakub Mensik.
He clinched his nation’s win over Norway with a fine victory over Casper Ruud, with Krejcikova completing a 3-0 rout with mixed doubles success.
She has previously shone in that format, having won three Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, along with seven doubles titles.
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