The German tennis team won the United Cup for the first time. Led by Alexander Zverev, the German team beat Poland 2-1 in Sydney.
Zverev first defeated Hubert Hurkacz in three hours and after defending two match points 6:7 (3:7), 7:6 (8:6), 6:4 and thus made it 1:1. Afterwards, alongside doubles specialist Laura Siegemund, he defeated the Polish duo Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek in the match tiebreak 6:4, 5:7, 10:4 and thus got the decisive second point. At the start, Angelique Kerber lost against Swiatek 3:6, 0:6.
Zverev won four of his five individual matches in the team competition. The 26-year-old only had to admit defeat to Australian Alex de Minaur in three sets in the semi-finals on Saturday. Just one day later, Zverev showed great morale and won the next show of strength against Hurkacz.
In the decisive mixed doubles, the Olympic champion also had to go the full distance alongside Siegemund. After 1:44 hours, the German duo converted their first match point.
Kerber had previously shown a strong performance against Swiatek for one set. The three-time Grand Slam tournament winner played powerfully and repeatedly put the world number one in trouble. However, Kerber was unable to take advantage of her chances and missed five break points in the first round alone. Swiatek took the first set after 48 minutes. The Pole, who was still unbeaten this year, was unstoppable after that. Swiatek got two quick breaks in the second section and after 1:10 hours she used her first match point.
