NEW DELHI: Germany made a strong start on Sunday in defending their United Cup title, with world number two Alexander Zverev and Laura Siegemund securing victory over Brazil, eliminating the South Americans from the mixed-team tournament.
Zverev sealed the win with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 performance against Thiago Monteiro, following Siegemund’s gritty 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 triumph over Beatriz Haddad Maia, who is ranked 17th, 63 places above her.
The result in Perth knocked Brazil out of group play after an earlier defeat to China.
Germany now faces China on Monday, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals.
In Sydney, women’s world number four Jasmine Paolini cruised past Belinda Bencic 6-1, 6-1 in just 57 minutes, ensuring Italy’s victory over Switzerland.
Meanwhile, men’s world number six Casper Ruud endured a tough battle against Tomas Machac but couldn’t prevent Norway’s loss to the Czech Republic.
Zverev set the tone against Monteiro by breaking serve in the opening game of each set, wrapping up the 80-minute contest without facing significant pressure. It marked an unusual position for Germany, who often relied on deciding mixed doubles matches in last year’s tournament.
“This is the first time we’ve ever been up 2-0,” Zverev said. “Last year, I played deciding (mixed doubles) matches every time.
“It’s nice to have this (tie) in the bag. I’m very happy to be playing for Germany again.”
Siegemund battled for over two and a half hours to outlast Haddad Maia.
After a dominant first set, the German faltered in the second but regained composure in a tense final set, winning after three consecutive service breaks and sealing the match on her first match point.
Tough Start for Ruud
Paolini’s strong form carried over from her stellar 2024 season, which included runner-up finishes at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. She overpowered Bencic, who is making a comeback after maternity leave.
“I played a really good match. Today everything worked really well,” said Paolini.
“I was serving and returning well, and I think that was the key.”
Earlier, Flavio Cobolli defeated Dominic Stricker 6-3, 7-6 (6/2), giving Italy an initial lead.
Meanwhile, Ruud, the highest-ranked Norwegian in history, faced a grueling match against Machac. After nearly three hours, Ruud emerged victorious 7-6 (7/6), 5-7, 6-4, leveling the tie 1-1 after Karolina Muchova’s dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over Malene Helgo.
However, Ruud opted out of the deciding mixed doubles due to left quad discomfort. Machac and Muchova capitalized, defeating Viktor Durasovic and Ulrikke Eikeri 6-4, 6-4 to secure the Czech Republic’s win.
“You kind of hope that it won’t be that tough, but what a way to start the new season,” said Ruud, who banked 2024 tournament wins at Geneva and Barcelona.
“If every match is going to be this tough, it’s going to be a tough (season).”
Ruud’s concern may grow as he faced nine break points during the match, despite his early control in the third set.
