The German tennis professionals around Alexander Zverev have had a disappointing start to the new United Cup experienced and face the first defeat.
In the opening duel with the Czech Republic, the 25-year-old Olympic champion lost on New Year’s Eve Sydney his first official match on the tour since his foot surgery with 4: 6, 2: 6 against the world number 81. Jiri Lehecka. Jule Niemeier then lost 2: 6, 5: 7 to Marie Bouzkova, so that the selection of the German Tennis Association on Sunday (01.01.2023) needs three successes to turn the game around.
Before the preparatory tournament for the Australian Open (January 16 to 29) and the start of the new season, Zverev had a serious ankle injury at the French Open in June only at show– Gathered game practice. In Dubai before Christmas he had succeeded against the former world number one Novak Djokovic from Serbia.
Pause makes itself felt
After a compulsory seven-month break, it has now become apparent that he is not yet back on toplevel is. Against the 21 year old Lehecka Zverev gave up his serve four times and had to admit defeat after 94 minutes. “I knew before that matchthat he hasn’t played in a while, but against a player like him that means nothing.”said the Czech outsider after his success.
Laura Siegemund shouldn’t be a surprise against on Sunday Petra Kvitova succeed, the defeat would be fixed in the country comparison. Oscar Otte also makes an appearance Dalibor Svrcinafor the final Mixed Julia Lohoff and Fabian Fallert are nominated.
USA other opponents
The American selection around US Open-Semifinalist Frances Tiafoewho had won 4-1 against the Czech Republic at the start, is the second opponent of the German on January 2nd and 3rd teams. A total of 18 nations are fighting for progress in six groups of the new competition for women and men. The winner will be determined in the final on January 8th. Except in Sydneywhere the finals will also take place, will be held in Brisbane and perth played.
At the United Cup It is also about world ranking points and a total of 15 million US dollars (14.05 million euros) in prize money and bonuses.