‘I think we can win it’: Hopman Cup success has Croatia confident of another deep run at the United Cup

Croatia ended a 27-year drought to win the Hopman Cup a few months ago. They’ve now got their eyes on more glory at the United Cup.

Nobody is speaking about Croatia taking out the United Cup, but Donna Vekic is quietly confident her team can win it all after success at the Hopman Cup earlier this year. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

While top teams like the USA, Poland and the Czech Republic have received all the attention in a stacked side of the draw in Perth, there’s another team in Sydney that’s flying under the radar ready to take out the United Cup.

Croatia has one of the most formidable singles pairings with world number 23 Donna Vekic teaming up with world number 37 Borna Coric just months after they combined to help their country win the Hopman Cup for the first time in 27 years.

It’s why other teams need to take them seriously, with Croatia the warm favourites to breeze through Group F against Norway and the Netherlands.

Team Croatia has the talent to win the United Cup. Picture: David Gray / AFP

“I think we can win it,” Vekic said ahead their first match against Norway on New Year’s Day.

“Borna and I had so much fun playing Hopman Cup, and we won it.

“At the beginning of the week we never thought in a million years that we could win it, but then a few days later we were like ‘holy s--- we’re in the final’.

“You just never know what’s going to happen in a team competition. What’s important is good energy, and we’ve got lots of that.

“It’s honestly a lot of fun (playing as a team).

“Tennis can be a very lonely sport… but this is different because you’re not playing for yourself but you’re also playing for the team and the country.

“Everyone is a lot more involved so it’s a totally different experience.”

The United Cup is a happy hunting ground for Vekic who won all three of her singles matches last time around which sparked her best ever run at the Australian Open where she reached the quarters.

Donna Vekic is hoping for another deep run at the Australian Open. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“It was a great experience,” she said.

“I was really excited to play United Cup for the first time and it was everything I expected and more.

“I got three matches and played really good tennis, and it ended up being the perfect preparation for the Australian Open where I played really well.

“It was such a good experience so you can imagine how happy I am to be back.”

Vekic doesn’t want to make any bold declarations ahead of next month’s Australian Open, but another strong showing at the United Cup would put her in a great position to at least match what she did nearly 12 months ago when she was eliminated by eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final eight.

“I think I can (go further) but the year is so long,” she said, wary of returning grand slam champions like Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber.

“I always put a lot of pressure on myself so I’m going to try not to this time around.

“I’m feeling really good, I’m fit and I’m healthy so you never know.

“In a grand slam, anything can happen. You need a good draw and hope things open up a bit, and if that happens then I think I can go far.”

Originally published as ‘I think we can win it’: Hopman Cup success has Croatia confident of another deep run at the United Cup