United Cup glory primes US stars as major threats for Australian Open

• Taylor Fritz beat Italy's Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (10-8) in final
• Team USA won 21 of 23 matches to claim inaugural United Cup

Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz have emerged as Australian Open title threats after piloting the United States to United Cup glory in Sydney.

Fritz once again served as Team USA's ice-cool go-to man in sealing Sunday's final over Italy with a steely 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (10-8) victory over resurgent 2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini.