The German tennis team with Angelique Kerber and Olympic champion Alexander Zverev still hopes to win the title at the United Cup.
Zverev equalized 1-1 against Poland on Sunday (January 7, 2024) with a passionately fought 6:7 (3:7), 7:6 (8:6), 6:4 win against Hubert Hurkacz. The decision in the final duel comes in the mixed doubles, for which Laura Siegemund and Maximilian Marterer were initially registered.
Zverev fights back courageously
Kerber was unable to prevent a 0-1 deficit after the first singles match against world number one Iga Swiatek. The 35-year-old from Kiel, who celebrated her return to the big tennis stage after the birth of her daughter at the team event before the Australian Open (from January 14th), lost to the four-time Grand Slam winner 3:6, 0:6.
Zverev initially seemed to lack strength and freshness in the close duel with Hurkacz, but the former world number two fought back courageously and ensured the showdown in the mixed doubles with an energetic performance. Poland probably has its top talent in Swiatek and Hurkacz.
One-sided second round for Kerber
Kerber celebrated her first victory in the fourth match since her comeback. As an outsider in the duel with Swiatek, her fresh self-confidence was evident right from the start. Kerber played bravely, threw in strong winners and challenged the favorite. The three-time major winner was only unable to take advantage of her five break chances. The second round was one-sided.