Kazakhstan too strong

Zverev injured – Germany loses

Alexander Zverev was only on the bench.(Bild: AP)

Germany had to do without the injured Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals of the United Cup in Perth and lost. The tennis world number two withdrew shortly before his singles match against Alexander Shevchenko due to a biceps strain, according to the organizers in Perth.

Kazakhstan advanced with two wins in the singles by Shevchenko and world number six Yelena Rybakina in the mixed tournament before the doubles.

Mansur instead of Zverev
Zverev was replaced by Daniel Masur, who lost 7:6(5),2:6,2:6, while Rybakina had no trouble with Laura Siegemund 6:3,6:1. The Germans took the point of honor in the meaningless mixed. Kazakhstan are now the first semi-finalists.

The bicep strain is not good news for Zverev a week and a half before the Australian Open in Melbourne. It remains to be seen whether he will have to take a longer break or whether the withdrawal was nothing more than a precautionary measure. The big goal is and remains to win the first Grand Slam title in 2025. For many professionals, the United Cup is the start of the new season and also an important preparation for the Australian Open, which begins on January 12.