USA defeat Czechia in semi final, Taylor Fritz v Tomas Machac retirement

Team USA has progressed to the United Cup final after winning their tie 2-0 over Czechia in dramatic scenes on Saturday evening.

The result was sealed after Tomas Machac suddenly retired from the men's singles leg — gifting Taylor Fritz the victory.

Despite having the advantage, Machac became increasingly upset at each change of ends before quitting the match in the 12th game of the second set with Fritz declared the winner 6(4)-7, 6-5.

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Tomas Machac retires from his match with Taylor Fritz at the United Cup. Nine

"Nobody saw this coming," Todd Woodbridge said in commentary for Nine.

"Ten minutes ago he was on the verge of a historic victory."

Machac carried out a stunning comeback from 3-0 down in the opening set after wrestling the contest back onto serve.

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The 24-year-old then starved off a set point to level the set at 5-5.

Forcing a seven-point tiebreak, a double fault from Fritz gave Machac the mini-break before he consolidated his serve and then served out the first set 7-6(4) with an ace.

Fritz continued to look a little shaky in the second set as he denied Machac several break points.

At the change of ends, Machac sought treatment from his team captain — seemingly battling fatigue in his legs.

But the world No.25 put his frustrations aside as he sprinted to the net and returned a drop shot to again break Fritz and lead 4-2.

"This is a revelation in the men's side of this tournament by some margin," American tennis legend Jim Courier said in commentary for Nine regarding a potential upset victory.

"It looks like the rankings are flipped out here."

Surviving two match points in the eighth game before Machac had the opportunity to serve out the match — momentum quickly swung as Fritz broke back and held his serve.

After sending a backhand wide in the 12th game, Machac pulled the pin and walked off the court.

Speaking afterwards, Fritz revealed what Machac had told him at the net.

Taylor Fritz of the United States and Tomas Machac of Czechia shake hands after the latter retired from their match. Brendon Thorne via Getty Images

"[Machac] said he'd been cramping for a couple of games already," he said.

Fritz continued: "I didn't notice but yeah.

"He was moving pretty well but I guess he was playing through it."

Earlier in the opening leg, Coco Gauff put together a comprehensive 6-1, 6-4 victory over Karolína Muchova.

The world No.3 dominated from beginning to end.

The contest was all over in one hour and 26 minutes as Team USA took a 1-0 lead in the tie and placed one foot in the final.

A dead rubber mixed doubles leg will follow.

Team USA will meet defending champions Poland in the final on Sunday. The tie gets underway from 5:30pm AEDT.

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