Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Zverev inspires Germany to United Cup triumph

Written by 
Published in Tennis
Sunday, 07 January 2024 07:12

Alexander Zverev sensationally battled back from two championship points down to inspire Germany's comeback victory over Poland in the United Cup final.

Women's world number one Iga Swiatek beat Angelique Kerber 6-3 6-0 to give Poland the lead in Sydney.

But Zverev recovered from the brink of defeat in his second set against Hubert Hurkacz to win 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.

He then partnered Laura Siegemund to a dramatic mixed doubles victory, taking the title in a match tie-break.

Zverev and Siegemund were taken to a deciding tie-break by Hurkacz and Swiatek but the German pair produced the stronger finish to prevail 6-4 5-7 10-4.

Germany became the second winners of the tournament, which was won by the United States when it was held for the first time in 2023.

"It's been absolutely amazing. It's been a pleasure and it's been absolutely so much fun for everybody to be part of this team, especially for me," Zverev said.

"Congrats to team Poland, amazing run. It was a matter of millimetres today for you guys to be the champions."

Zverev leads Germany's fightback

It had all started perfectly for Poland, as Swiatek efficiently settled the opening rubber against former top-ranked women's player Kerber.

The 22-year-old was put under pressure by Kerber, making her return to competition following maternity leave, and faced five break points in the first set.

But it was the Pole who seized her opportunity in the eighth game - before sweeping her opponent aside in a dominant second set to extend her personal winning streak to 16 matches.

Aware victory against Zverev would give Poland an unassailable 2-0 lead, Hurkacz appeared set to deliver just that.

But Zverev, facing two match points at 6-4 down in the second-set tie-break, saved the first by hitting a stunning passing shot on the run and then won the next three points to force a decider.

The 26-year-old recovered from that narrow escape by taking the third set with a single break to set up a tense finale to the tournament, with both players returning shortly after their singles match for the deciding mixed doubles.

Zverev and Siegemund had come out on top in a 28-point match tie-break against Australia to send Germany, who only progressed from the group stage as one of the best placed runners-up, into the final.

And, when the concluding tie-break arrived, they rose to the occasion - racing into a 6-1 lead before taking the first of their five championship points and embracing on the court as the Germany celebrations began at 00:45am local time.

Read 44 times

Soccer

United falls at Palace for record 13th Prem defeat

United falls at Palace for record 13th Prem defeat

Manchester United were thrashed at Selhurst Park by Crystal Palace.Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Imag...

Defiant Ten Hag: United lost plot in Palace defeat

Defiant Ten Hag: United lost plot in Palace defeat

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsEric ten Hag vowed to keep fighting as Manchester United manager, b...

Awful display at Palace all but dooms Man United to worst Premier League season

Awful display at Palace all but dooms Man United to worst Premier League season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLONDON -- This is descending into the worst season Manchester Unite...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Wemby becomes sixth unanimous ROY winner

Wemby becomes sixth unanimous ROY winner

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsVictor Wembanyama came into the NBA with massive expectations, and...

Riley: Butler extension contingent on availability

Riley: Butler extension contingent on availability

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMIAMI -- If Jimmy Butler wants to see more pay, Pat Riley will want...

Baseball

Steele returns to mound as Cubs welcome Padres

Steele returns to mound as Cubs welcome Padres

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- When Justin Steele was injured on opening day, the big q...

Harper, Wheeler roll as Phils' hot start continues

Harper, Wheeler roll as Phils' hot start continues

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHILADELPHIA -- Zack Wheeler struck out 11 in seven innings, Bryce...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated