Zverev Withdraws from United Cup as Rybakina Leads Kazakhstan to Semifinals
Germany’s hopes of defending their United Cup title ended on Wednesday after Kazakhstan, led by sixth-ranked Elena Rybakina, claimed a stunning victory in Perth. The loss was compounded by world No. 2 Alexander Zverev withdrawing from his singles match due to a bicep strain, raising concerns just a week before the Australian Open.
Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, gave Kazakhstan a strong start by dominating Laura Siegemund 6-3, 6-1. Zverev was set to face Alexander Shevchenko in the second match but pulled out at the last minute, leaving Daniel Masur, ranked 254th, to step in. Despite a valiant effort, Masur fell to Shevchenko, who battled through intense heat and a medical timeout to secure a 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-2 victory.
"I was struggling in this heat, it was so rough," said Shevchenko, the world No. 78. "I had a headache, my head was spinning, but I wanted to win this one." His aggressive play after dropping the first set proved decisive, sending Kazakhstan into the semifinals of the 18-nation tournament.
In Sydney, world No. 2 Iga Swiatek kept Poland’s hopes alive by defeating Karolina Muchova 6-3, 6-4 in a rematch of the 2023 French Open final. Swiatek then teamed up with Hubert Hurkacz to win the deciding mixed doubles match against Muchova and Tomas Machac, clinching a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 victory to secure Poland’s spot in the last eight.
Reflecting on her singles win, Swiatek said, "Karolina always brings precision and intensity. Even though I lost my serve early, I’m happy I raised my intensity to finish strong."
With the quarterfinals taking shape, Britain and Australia are set to face off in Sydney to determine the final spot. Meanwhile, the United States, the 2023 champions, will take on China later in Perth. All eyes remain on Zverev as he races to recover in time for the Australian Open.
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