After the good start to the new tennis year, Alexander Zverev quickly experiences his first disappointment – and shows his frustration quite obviously during the game. At the United Cup in Australia against Poland not much is achieved. Germany’s progress depends on others.
Alexander Zverev and Co. are threatened with an early exit from the United Cup. After the clear 0-3 defeat against Poland in Sydney, the German tennis team depends on the results in the other groups as to whether they can make it to the quarter-finals. In addition to the three group winners, the best runner-up in the group also advances to the tournament in Australia. Germany had won 3-0 against the Netherlands at the start.
Against Poland, Zverev lost his singles against the strong-serving Hubert Hurkacz 3:6, 4:6 and thus suffered his first defeat of this young season. Afterwards, Eva Lys had to admit defeat by world number two Iga Swiatek 6:3, 3:6, 4:6 despite a strong performance.
In the final mixed doubles, Zverev lost alongside Laura Siegemund against the Polish duo Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski 6:7 (6:8), 3:6 and thus carelessly lost a better starting position. If they had won against Poland, the German team would certainly have been in the top eight – in Perth, another four places will be played in three groups. Now it’s time to wait and see.
Zverev was unable to build on his decent performance from Sunday against Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor against Hurkacz. The third in the world rankings couldn’t find a way to counter the Pole’s strong serves and, completely frustrated, smashed a racket after the break to make it 3:4 in the second set.
Hurkacz returned after a break of more than six months due to knee surgery, but showed no teething problems and served 21 aces. Zverev was only able to create one break chance in the entire game and had to admit defeat after 82 minutes. He quickly disappeared into the cabin with the bag over his shoulder.
Lys plays hard but doesn’t reward herself
Lys then showed a very strong performance against Swiatek. Although the 23-year-old had bandages on her knee, she demanded everything from the six-time Grand Slam tournament winner. After 52 minutes, Lys took the first set and shouted her joy. She also impressed in the second round with her powerful and courageous game. However, Swiatek now improved and equalized the set after 1:36 hours.
In the third set it continued back and forth. Lys came back after an early loss of serve and even had two more break chances when the score was 3:3. But Swiatek showed strong nerves, held her service and took advantage of her first match point a little later after almost two and a half hours.
In the mixed doubles, Zverev and Siegemund then showed a weak performance. The world number three in particular made some unnecessary mistakes.
Zverev and Lys are using the event as preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne. The first Grand Slam tournament of the season begins on January 18th. Last year Zverev reached the final in Melbourne, where he had to admit defeat to the Italian Jannik Sinner.
