Alexander Zverev was full of confidence for his start to the 2026 tennis season. The Olympic champion smiled and pushed his luggage cart through Sydney Airport. After a largely disappointing year with numerous sporting and health setbacks, the 28-year-old can hardly wait for the restart.
It felt like “a new hope and fresh air,” said the world number three, describing his emotional state immediately after arriving in Australia: “I’m looking forward to starting here in Sydney.”
As in previous years, Zverev begins his season at the United Cup from January 2nd to 11th. At the fourth edition of the mixed team competition, he wants to give Germany its second victory – and pave the way back to his old strength.
Charging batteries in the Maldives
In the past few weeks, Zverev had given his battered body and his head a much-needed break. The Hamburg resident posted a video compilation of vacation fun in the Maldives on Instagram: a snorkeling trip with girlfriend Sophia Thomalla and friend Marcelo Melo, a water slide game with a plastic crocodile, beach days under palm trees.
But the German number 1 also picked up a tennis racket in the holiday paradise – because the goals for 2026 remain high. Zverev is making another attempt for his longed-for first Grand Slam title. As last year’s finalist, he is already hoping for the Australian Open from January 12th to February 1st in Melbourne. But to do this he has to reduce the huge gap he has recently had to the two top stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The Spanish world number one and his long-term rival from Italy are not at the start of the United Cup.
That is Zverev’s main goal for 2026
In order to pose a threat to the two exceptional talents again, Zverev must be in top physical shape. Staying healthy and fit is therefore “number one priority” for the next season, he said after the preliminary round exit at the ATP Finals in Turin in November. Long-term back pain in particular bothered him greatly.
Zverev will also have to continue to develop in terms of play. However, the 2021 Olympic champion is still not relying on a new coach in his team – contrary to the advice of many experts such as Boris Becker. Zverev would like to have Toni Nadal, the uncle and former successful coach of Spain’s tennis hero Rafael Nadal, at his side at the Australian Open. But the relationship between the two hasn’t gone beyond a few days of training together in Mallorca and advice from afar.
At the United Cup, Zverev doesn’t need a super coach, the German team is accompanied by his coach and father Alexander Zverev senior. In Sydney he first wants to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before things get really serious again a little later at the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. He has “great memories” of Sydney, said Zverev. The German triumph in the team event in 2024 was “a very special moment”.
At that time, Zverev won alongside Angelique Kerber, who has since resigned, and doubles specialist Laura Siegemund. In addition to Siegemund, 23-year-old Eva Lys is now there, who is expected to take part in the women’s individual matches. The German team also includes doubles player Kevin Krawietz.
Difficult group opponents for the German team
Germany’s opening opponents on Sunday (12:30 a.m. CET/Sky) are the Netherlands. A day later, Poland is waiting with the top players Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz, who recently reached the final twice in a row. If the score is 1:1 after two singles matches, the decision is made in mixed doubles.
Germany will play its group games in the Ken Rosevall Arena in Sydney. Perth is also a venue for three groups. The six group winners and the best runner-up in each city qualify for the quarter-finals.
The United Cup has been a good mood test for Zverev at the beginning of the year. At the German triumph in 2024, he only lost one single match. In 2025 he remained undefeated in the group phase before he was unable to take part in the quarter-final against Kazakhstan due to injury.
