A few days before the Australian Open (January 12th to February 1st), Alexander Zverev lost his match in Germany’s United Cup group game against Poland. Germany’s number one couldn’t find a way into the game against the strong-serving Hubert Hurkacz – and showed his frustration several times.
Zverev was not clearly the weaker player against the Poles in the 3:6, 4:6 in Sydney, but Hurkacz played more consistently in the crucial moments. The course of the match angered Zverev so much that he argued with the referee several times and finally smashed his racket after a break against himself.
Germany is hoping for Eva Lys
Due to Zverev’s first defeat of the season, the German selection is under pressure against last year’s finalists Poland. Only with a win for Eva Lys against world number two Iga Swiatek would the second victory in the second preliminary round game at the United Cup be possible. If the score is 1:1 after the singles, the final mixed doubles will decide. At the start, Zverev & Co. won 3-0 against the Netherlands.
If they win against Poland, the German team would definitely be in the top eight. Even in the event of a defeat, there would still be a chance of progressing. In addition to the winners, the best runner-up of the three groups in Sydney also makes it to the knockout phase.
Taube causes frustration for Zverev
“When he’s fit, he’s one of the best players in the world”Zverev said before the game against Hurkacz. The Pole, who was still number six in the world in August 2024, recently had to take a break for months due to a knee injury and celebrated his comeback in Sydney. There were no signs of initial difficulties for the 1.96 meter giant. Hurkacz caused Zverev big problems with his powerful serves and took the lead early with a break.
Zverev quickly seemed frustrated and argued with his father with a dark expression during the break. When a pigeon flew into Zverev’s field of vision during a Hurkacz serve, Germany’s number one complained to chair referee Mohamed Layani. The world number three struggled but couldn’t get the break back. Set one was lost.
Zverev destroys his racket
The second round was largely even until the Pole earned break points when the score was 3:3. Zverev took a lot of time before serving, which earned him a warning – the German had little understanding for this decision. Hurkacz got the break, Zverev smashed his racket in anger and was now finally on the losing end. Hurkacz, who served a total of 21 aces, remained untouchable in his service and brought home the 1-0 win for Poland.
The German team now has to hope for a surprise from Lys against world number two Swiatek. Zverev himself then still has the chance to correct the result in doubles.