In a stunning turn of events at the United Cup mixed teams tennis tournament, Kazakhstan has punched its ticket to the semifinals after German star Alexander Zverev was forced to withdraw due to a biceps injury. The world No. 2’s last-minute absence opened the door for Kazakhstan to seize a 2-0 lead in their quarterfinal tie and book a spot in the final four.
Rybakina Sets the Stage
The Kazakhstani team took an early 1-0 lead thanks to a dominant performance by Elena Rybakina, who dispatched Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3, 6-1. Rybakina’s victory set the stage for a potential clincher in the next match, but no one could have predicted the drama that would unfold.
Zverev’s Shock Withdrawal
Just minutes before he was set to face Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko, Zverev abruptly withdrew from the match citing a biceps injury. The German team scrambled to replace him with Daniel Masur, but the last-minute substitution would prove to be too little, too late.
It’s a tough blow for us, but the health of our players is always the top priority. We wish Sascha a speedy recovery.
– German team captain
Shevchenko Seals the Deal
In a hard-fought battle, Shevchenko overcame a first-set tiebreak loss to storm back and defeat Masur 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-2. The victory sealed an unassailable 2-0 lead for Kazakhstan and sparked jubilant celebrations from the team.
- Kazakhstan advances to United Cup semifinals
- Zverev withdraws with biceps injury
- Rybakina gives Kazakhstan 1-0 lead
- Shevchenko clinches tie against Masur
United Cup Quarterfinal Roundup
Elsewhere in the United Cup quarterfinals:
- The United States faces China, with Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz aiming to lead the US into the final four
- Poland, led by world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, qualified for the semifinals after edging the Czech Republic in a deciding mixed doubles match
- Italy emerged as Group D winners, securing a quarterfinal spot without world No. 1 Jannik Sinner
As the inaugural United Cup reaches its climax, Kazakhstan finds itself on the brink of an improbable run to the championship. With the quarterfinal hurdle cleared in unexpected fashion, the Kazakhstani team will now set its sights on making history as the mixed teams event heads towards a thrilling conclusion in Sydney.
KAZAKHSTAN IN THE SEMIS! 🇰🇿
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 4, 2023
Alexander Shevchenko fights back from a set down against Daniel Masur to win 6-7(5) 6-2 6-2 and send Kazakhstan into the #UnitedCup semifinals! pic.twitter.com/1ZsAQTk4xH
