The Japan Times - Musetti serves up Italian treat at United Cup, Keys edges US ahead

Musetti lost only three points on serve in the entire match as he won 6-1, 6-1 in just 57 minutes to put Italy ahead 1-0 in the best-of-five-match final.

The winners of the city finals in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth progress to the semi-finals of the inaugural mixed teams tournament along with the best-performing losing finalist.

The 20-year-old Musetti, who climbed to 23 in the world in 2022, had far too much firepower for his opponent, blasting 17 winners past the 260th-ranked Michalski.

"I was so focused today on the match and the serve was really good," he said.

"But with every shot I had a great feeling for the ball so I think I played the best match so far."

Poland will look to quickly strike back when world number one Iga Swiatek takes on Martina Trevisan, who made last year's French Open semi-finals.

In Sydney, Madison Keys put the United States ahead of Britain in contrasting fashion.

World number 11 Keys lost the first set to Katie Swan before fighting back to win a gruelling match 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in 2hrs 18mins.

"I actually practised with Katie a few days before the tournament and I said to my coach she's playing absolutely great tennis," Keys said.

"So I knew I would have to play well and I think she played a phenomenal first set and I knew I had to raise my level."

Taylor Fritz faces Cameron Norrie next to try and put the Americans 2-0 in front.

Stefanos Tsitsipas' Greece take on Croatia in Perth later on Wednesday.

M.Matsumoto--JT