Ruud wins, but Norway loses in United Cup; Wimbledon champ Vondrousova defeated

SYDNEY (AP) — The Netherlands won the decisive mixed doubles match to clinch its opening United Cup group stage tie against Norway 2-1, while China swept the Czech Republic 3-0 on Saturday.

Mixed teams from 18 countries are playing in Perth and Sydney in what doubles as a warmup for the Australian Open. The format is a men's and women's singles match and a mixed doubles.

In Sydney, Arantxa Rus gave the Dutch an early lead with a 7-6 (4), 6-1 victory over Malene Helgø, before No.11 Casper Ruud leveled the tie for the Norwegians by beating Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 6-4.

Dutch pair Demi Schuurs and Wesley Koolhof then won the decisive mixed doubles match against Ruud and Ulrikke Eikeri 7-6(5), 7-5 to take the Group F tie.

In the Group E match in Perth, China raced to a 2-0 lead after Zhang Zhizhen rallied to beat Jiri Lehecka 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 and Zheng Qinwen upset No. 7 Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 2-6, 6-1. The Chinese pair then sealed a 3-0 cleansweep of tie by winning the mixed doubles.