Sydney, Jan 4 (AP) Karolina Muchova turned on the style during a 6-2, 6-2 victory over fourth-ranked Jasmine Paolini at the United Cup on Friday to help the Czech Republic secure a win over Italy and a semifinal spot against the United States.

Muchova produced a “tweener” shot between her legs during a memorable exchange in the first set — although she lost that point — as well as an array of slices and other unconventional shots.

Also Read | ISL 2024-25: Mohammedan SC Halt NorthEast United's Goal-Scoring Spree With 0-0 Draw.

Muchova improved to 5-0 in her career against Paolini, who was a finalist at the French Open and Wimbledon last year.

Tomas Machac then beat Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-2.

Also Read | SA vs PAK 2nd Test 2024-25: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma Tons Help South Africa Dominate Day 1 Against Visitors.

Muchova and Machac will next face Americans Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz, respectively.

Iga Swiatek's Poland plays Kazakhstan in Saturday's other semifinal of the mixed team event.

The United Cup is a warmup for the Australian Open, which starts Jan. 12. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)