The German team around Alexander Zverev reached the quarter-finals of the United Cup with their second victory. In the mixed doubles, Zverev and Laura Siegemund prevailed 6:2, 7:6 (7:3) against Zhang Zhizhen and Zhang Shuai and made it 2:1 in the duel with China.
Zverev had previously won 2:6, 6:0, 6:2 against the world number 45 in Perth. Zhang Zhizhen has already secured a place in the first knockout round. Siegemund then lost in their singles match to Gao Xinyu 1:6, 6:3, 3:6.
For many tennis professionals, the United Cup is the start of the new season and at the same time an important preparation for the Australian Open, which begins in mid-January 2025.
Zverev had to be patient
“I didn’t start well, later I found my rhythm”said Zverev after his individual victory: “I’m very happy with my performance in the second and third sets.” His team now wants “Keep it up, make it to Sydney and play for the title again.”
The number two in the world rankings initially made too many avoidable mistakes and Zverev visibly struggled with his game. After just 33 minutes, the first set went to Zhang. In the second set, Zverev started significantly improved and took the lead with a break. Even after a ten-minute break because the electronic line monitoring in Perth was causing problems, the Hamburg resident didn’t let himself be disturbed. The 27-year-old forced the third round with a score of 6-0.
Zverev continued to play dominantly there too, after just over two hours of play he converted his first match point to victory.
Gao converts the first match point
Siegemund also initially had to struggle with major problems and clearly lost the first set against Gao. Like Zverev, she also found the right answer. Siegemund bit back into the game and took advantage of their first chance to equalize the set. However, Siegemund completely missed the start of the third round and never recovered from the 4-0 deficit. Gao converted her first match point, Siegemund put a forehand out of bounds.
Germany started with victory
Germany won the first game 3-0 against Brazil. The six group winners and the two best runners-up qualify for the quarter-finals, which begin on New Year’s Day. The German team has already secured one of the best second places before the final mixed doubles on Monday afternoon.
Zverev, who is using the United Cup as preparation for the Australian Open (from January 12th), triumphed at the last edition together with the now retired Angelique Kerber and Siegemund.