Former champion Team USA will make its 2025 United Cup debut on Sunday, when Taylor Fritz faces Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Norway vs. Czech Republic tie pits Casper Ruud against Tomas Machac.
Taylor Fritz (USA) vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)
Fritz is looking to pick up where he left off in 2024 and lead the United States to a second United Cup title. The 27-year-old soared to No. 4 in the world last season, finishing runner-up to Jannik Sinner at both the U.S. Open and Nitto ATP Finals. He is 5-2 lifetime at the United Cup and has never lost to anyone ranked lower than No. 14 at this event.
Up first for Fritz on Sunday is a third meeting with Auger-Aliassime, who has lost both of their previous encounters (in three sets at both the 2022 ATP Cup and the 2022 Nitto ATP Finals). Auger-Aliassime has already taken the court this weekend in Perth, falling 0-6, 6-4, 6-4 to Croatia’s Borna Coric on Saturday afternoon. The Canadian bounced back to win a decisive mixed doubles rubber for his country, but a long day at the office and a discouraging result in singles don’t bode well for his chances against a superior opponent in Fritz.
Pick: Fritz in 2
Casper Ruud (NOR) vs. Tomas Machac (CZE)
Ruud and Machac will also be going head-to-head for the third time in their careers on Sunday. Both of their previous contests have gone Ruud’s way; 6-3, 7-6(6), 6-7(5), 6-3 at the 2023 Australian Open and 7-5, 6-3 in the final of last season’s clay-court event in Geneva.
Machac should have a good chance to turn the tide this time around. The 24-year-old Czech comes in at a career-high ranking of 25th and he was especially impressive throughout the second half of last season. Ruud finished strong with a semifinal showing at the Nitto ATP Finals, but he otherwise struggled mightily once the clay-court swing concluded. On a hard court, this is a great opportunity for Machac.
Pick: Machac in 3
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Fritz should be a routine straight sets win. And Machac should win in 3 sets based off Ruud being strictly a clay specialist. If Machac starts out firing on all cylinders early he could potentially win in 2 sets. Ruud did impress in Turin. Keep in mind he played against an unhealthy Alcaraz who was sick with the flu. Machac should be able to muster out a win for his country here.
If he comes out cold expect Ruud to try and take a advantage early on. But Machac’s ball striking precision and the ability keep rallies short should give him the edge in this matchup I do see Over 23 games. But if your betting on props Ruud under on fantasy is the safer bet
Fritz in 3; Rudd in 3