Kazakhstan Ends Germany’s United Cup Title Defence, US Advances to Semis
Kazakhstan delivered a stunning blow to Germany’s United Cup title defence on Wednesday, securing a place in the semifinals of the mixed-team tennis tournament. Meanwhile, defending champions United States also advanced to the last four, defeating China in a decisive display of skill.
Kazakhstan’s Dominance Against Germany
Elena Rybakina set the tone for Kazakhstan with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 win over Laura Siegemund in the opening match of the knockout stage. The tie took a dramatic turn when Germany’s Alexander Zverev, a former world number two, withdrew from his match due to a bicep strain. Zverev’s late replacement, Daniel Masur, initially fought hard but succumbed to Alexander Shevchenko, who triumphed 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-2.
Shevchenko, ranked 78th in the world, staged a remarkable comeback despite taking a medical timeout in the second set due to heat-related issues. “It was so rough in the heat,” Shevchenko said. “My head was spinning, but I just kept pushing after the first set, and I’m really happy with the result.”
This win marked Shevchenko’s second upset of the tournament, having previously defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in group play.
US Seals Semifinal Spot with Commanding Performance
Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz propelled the United States into the semifinals with straight-sets victories over their Chinese opponents.
Gauff overcame Zhang Shuai 7-6(4), 6-2 in a match where she initially struggled but found her rhythm in the second set. Despite nine double faults, Gauff kept her unforced errors to a minimum compared to Zhang’s 40. “I felt like I couldn’t get her on defence initially, but I managed to adapt and turn it around,” said the 2023 US Open champion.
Taylor Fritz followed up with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Zhang Zhizhen, clinching the tie for the US without needing the mixed doubles match.
Swiatek Leads Poland to Last Eight
World number two Iga Swiatek showcased her brilliance as Poland edged past the Czech Republic 2-1 in Group B to reach the quarterfinals. Tomas Machac gave the Czechs an early lead, defeating Hubert Hurkacz 7-5, 3-6, 6-4. Swiatek leveled the tie with a gritty 6-3, 6-4 win over Karolina Muchova, continuing her dominance in their head-to-head encounters.
Swiatek then teamed up with Hurkacz to secure a decisive mixed doubles victory, beating the Machac-Muchova pair 7-6(3), 6-3. The win also made Swiatek the first player to achieve 10 singles victories in the tournament’s history.
Britain Tops Group F, Advances to Knockout Stage
In Group F, Katie Boulter ensured Britain’s progress with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over Australia’s Olivia Gadecki. Boulter’s consistent baseline play and aggressive approach saw her wrap up the match in just 70 minutes.
Although Australian Alex de Minaur, Boulter’s fiancé, crushed Britain’s Billy Harris 6-2, 6-1 and later partnered with Gadecki to win the mixed doubles, it was not enough to alter the outcome, with Britain already through as group leaders.
The United Cup’s thrilling knockout rounds continue, with Kazakhstan, the United States, Poland, and Britain set to vie for the championship in Sydney.
