Barbora Krejcikova names the shot she would ‘love’ to take from Jakub Mensik

Barbora Krejcikova pinpoints her favourite thing about Jakub Mensik’s game

After making the perfect start to their United Cup campaign, Krejcikova, Mensik and the rest of the Czechia team headed to their post-match press conference.

Krejcikova has become renowned for watching a lot of tennis, and she had a front row seat for Mensik’s victory over Ruud.

When asked in the press conference about what she likes about Mensik’s game, Krejcikova particularly highlighted his serve.

“I mean, I was definitely following him since he was cramping in Australia a couple of years ago (laughing),” joked Krejcikova. “I was following him since then, and I’m really happy that he’s making such progress and that he’s doing great, and he’s very talented.

“What I definitely love about his tennis is the serve. So, no, but overall today I was able to watch him a little bit more, because I mean, the tours are separate, and we don’t really have the opportunities to spend as much time together.

“So, I mean, today was amazing. I think he was playing unbelievable, and he was serving really well during the important points. He was passing so many times. It was unbelievable. We were sitting in our little office in there. We were, like, shouting at the TV and really pumping him up. I’m really happy that he won.”

When further questioned on Mensik’s serve, Krejcikova admitted that she would actually love to have her compatriot’s shot.

“I think just the way how he hits it, how compact his serve is,” added the former world number two. “I feel like he’s tossing the ball every single time the same way, so that’s something unique. It’s something that is very tough for me, so I really — actually I would love to have his serve.”

Jakub Mensik explains why Barbora Krejcikova made his match ‘easier’

The compliments from Krejcikova were also reciprocated by Mensik, who was asked about the importance of his teammate getting the first point on the board for Czechia.

“Yeah, obviously it’s much more easier like your faults when you are 1-0 up than 1-0 down,” said Mensik. “I experienced both on the Davis Cup, so it’s pretty much similar, but we played a great match.

“Yeah, the way that she finished it, it’s of course, obviously so much better to go on the court when you are 1-0 up. So, of course, I was more relaxed. I could play with a clear mind, which obviously it was good that we could make it.”

Krejcikova and Mensik will have little rest ahead of their final group tie against home favourites Australia in Sydney, which takes place on Tuesday January 6.

This is expected to see Krejcikova taking on Maya Joint, while Mensik will most likely play Alex de Minaur, with the winners of the tie booking their place in the quarterfinals.