Germany kicked off its defense of the United Cup title with an impressive 3-0 victory against Brazil on Sunday, marking the perfect start to the tournament at RAC Arena, Perth. World number two Alexander Zverev and seasoned player Laura Siegemund delivered stellar performances, ensuring their team remains on track for another successful campaign.
Zverev eased past Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro, winning with scores of 6-4, 6-4, effectively securing the tie for Germany. After recovering from injuries sustained during the 2022 French Open, Zverev has returned to peak form, recently achieving his career-high ranking of number two following success at the Paris Masters. His commanding play against Monteiro saw him break the Brazilian’s serve early, establishing dominance right from the start, which he maintained through the match. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying, "I'm very happy to be back, very happy to be playing for team Germany," as he reflected on his passion for competing on home soil.
Before Zverev’s match, Siegemund set the tone with her own notable victory over Beatriz Haddad Maia, who is ranked significantly higher at 17. Siegemund won the match 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, showing resilience and skill. After taking the first set convincingly, she faced pressure when Haddad Maia came roaring back to take the second. Siegemund, undeterred, delivered expertly toward the end of the final set, managing to secure victory through precise shot-making, including three successive service breaks. "It's good to pull your best game out of the pocket in the first match of the season," she commented, reflecting her confidence and determination at the beginning of the new year.
This marked the first time Germany has ever held a 2-0 lead at this stage of the tournament, showcasing their prowess and capacity to perform under pressure. "This is the first time we've ever been up 2-0," Zverev noted, highlighting the unexpected yet favorable situation for the team. At the same time, Brazil’s defeat confirmed their elimination from the group stages, as they had previously lost to China, unable to claw their way back following consecutive defeats.
Looking forward, Germany is set to face China, who currently lead the group after their decisive 3-0 win against Brazil. This match looms large, as it will determine who advances to the quarter-finals and creates opportunities for teams eager to claim glory at the United Cup.
Norway had a more challenging day as they faced the Czech Republic, with their hopes resting on the performance of Casper Ruud, who battled through a taxing three-hour match. Ruud triumphed over Tomas Machac, winning 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-4 before withdrawing from the mixed doubles due to fatigue and previous left quad issues. His absence significantly impacted Norway's chances.
Meanwhile, the Czech pair of Karolina Muchova and Tomas Machac showcased their skill, winning the deciding mixed doubles match 6-4, 6-4 against Norwegian teammates Viktor Durasovic and Ulrikke Eikeri. This match illustrated the competitive nature of the event, with teams striving to outdo one another on the court.
Germany’s successful showing against Brazil not only propels them forward but sets the stage for what promises to be thrilling encounters as the United Cup progresses. With strong performances already on display, fans can only wait to see how each team continues to compete and whether Germany can repeat its championship success.