The United Cup trophy will remain in German hands for at least a few more days. The 2024 champions launched their title defense in emphatic fashion Sunday, blanking Brazil 3-0 to open Group E play in Perth.
After an injury-plagued 2023, Alexander Zverev showed flashes of his top form in a convincing 6-4, 6-4 victory over Thiago Monteiro. The world No. 2 set the tone early, securing a break in the opening game and closing out the first set with booming serves.
I’m very happy to be back, very happy to be playing for team Germany. Perth is one of my favorite cities in Australia, I really enjoy my time here.
– Alexander Zverev
Siegemund Secures the Tie
With Germany up 1-0, Laura Siegemund delivered in a thrilling back-and-forth battle with Brazil’s top player, Beatriz Haddad Maia. After splitting the first two sets, Siegemund dug deep to outlast Haddad Maia 6-3, 1-6, 6-4, giving the Germans an insurmountable lead.
Siegemund later returned to clinch the sweep alongside Tim Puetz. The German duo fought off a spirited effort from Brazilians Rafael Matos and Carolina Alves, prevailing 7-6(8), 6-4 in an entertaining mixed doubles clash.
Other Matches: Italy, USA Victorious
Over in Sydney, Group D action saw Italy make quick work of Switzerland. Flavio Cobolli and Jasmine Paolini notched straight-set wins in the singles rubbers before Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori finished off a 3-0 triumph.
The United States survived a minor scare in their Group A matchup with Canada. After an upset loss for Taylor Fritz to Felix Auger-Aliassime, the U.S. rallied behind a singles win from Coco Gauff and a clutch mixed doubles performance by Gauff and Fritz to pull out a 2-1 victory.
- France, Greece headline teams in action on Day 2
- Round robin play continues through January 4
While Germany passed its initial test with flying colors, sterner challenges await. But if this deep and passionate squad continues to rise to the occasion, a successful title defense could soon become reality. The United Cup trophy has a good chance of remaining in Deutschland through 2025.
