United Cup
Bergs battles previous Mensik to provide Belgium lead in United Cup QFs
Mertens can seal tie in opposition to Krejcikova
January 08, 2026
Brett Hemmings/Getty Photographs
Zizou Bergs defeats Jakub Mensik Thursday night in Sydney for his second victory of the 2026 United Cup.
By ATP/WTA Workers
Zizou Bergs’ dream begin to the season is just getting higher.
After incomes the largest win of his profession in opposition to Felix Auger-Aliassime in group play, the Belgian beat Jakub Mensik 6-2, 7-6(4) on Thursday night to provide his nation a 1-0 lead in opposition to Czechia within the United Cup quarter-finals.
Bergs entered the occasion with a 2-16 mark in opposition to High-20 opponents, however has now received two in a row after defeating Mensik in a single hour and 40 minutes. The 26-year-old was unable to serve out the match with two alternatives to take action, however was finally capable of cross the end line.
“To begin with, I didn’t even know I used to be 5-4 up after which I bought damaged and I used to be 5-5,” Bergs stated. “After which I break again and also you simply need to end, you’re so shut, you’re taking part in huge factors. I bought tight, I am going backwards, I play defensive. so it was a really huge wrestle in the long run. I’m so blissful for myself and the staff.”
In direction of the tip of the match, Bergs started taking part in extra conservatively because the stress to say victory mounted. Abruptly balls he had been putting with authority, he was pulling off of, permitting the Czech to impose his personal will.
Mensik benefitted from a ball that hit the web and barely bounced over to earn his first service break of the match and stay alive. He then claimed one other break at 5-6 with an enormous backhand up the road. Elise Mertens will now attempt to seal Belgium’s place within the United Cup semi-finals when she faces Barbora Krejcikova.
