NEW DELHI: Germany made a robust begin on Sunday in defending their united cup title, with world quantity two Alexander Zverev and Laura Siegemund securing victory over Brazil, eliminating the South Americans from the blended-crew event.
Zverev sealed the win with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 efficiency in opposition to Thiago Monteiro, following Siegemund’s gritty 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 conquer Beatriz Haddad Maia, who’s ranked seventeenth, 63 locations above her.
The lead to Perth knocked Brazil out of group play after an earlier defeat to China.
Germany now faces China on Monday, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals.
In Sydney, ladies’s world quantity 4 Jasmine Paolini cruised previous Belinda Bencic 6-1, 6-1 in simply 57 minutes, making certain Italy’s victory over Switzerland.
Meanwhile, males’s world quantity six Casper Ruud endured a troublesome battle in opposition to Tomas Machac however could not forestall Norway’s loss to the Czech Republic.
Zverev set the tone in opposition to Monteiro by breaking serve within the opening recreation of every set, wrapping up the 80-minute contest with out going through important strain. It marked an uncommon place for Germany, who typically relied on deciding blended doubles matches in final yr’s event.
“This is the first time we’ve ever been up 2-0,” Zverev mentioned. “Last year, I played deciding (mixed doubles) matches every time.
“It’s good to have this (tie) within the bag. I’m very pleased to be taking part in for Germany once more.”
Siegemund battled for over two and a half hours to outlast Haddad Maia.
After a dominant first set, the German faltered in the second but regained composure in a tense final set, winning after three consecutive service breaks and sealing the match on her first match point.
Tough Start for Ruud
Paolini’s strong form carried over from her stellar 2024 season, which included runner-up finishes at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. She overpowered Bencic, who is making a comeback after maternity leave.
“I performed a extremely good match. Today every little thing labored rather well,” said Paolini.
“I used to be serving and returning effectively, and I feel that was the important thing.”
Earlier, Flavio Cobolli defeated Dominic Stricker 6-3, 7-6 (6/2), giving Italy an initial lead.
Meanwhile, Ruud, the highest-ranked Norwegian in history, faced a grueling match against Machac. After nearly three hours, Ruud emerged victorious 7-6 (7/6), 5-7, 6-4, leveling the tie 1-1 after Karolina Muchova’s dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over Malene Helgo.
However, Ruud opted out of the deciding mixed doubles due to left quad discomfort. Machac and Muchova capitalized, defeating Viktor Durasovic and Ulrikke Eikeri 6-4, 6-4 to secure the Czech Republic’s win.
“You type of hope that it will not be that robust, however what a technique to begin the brand new season,” said Ruud, who banked 2024 tournament wins at Geneva and Barcelona.
“If each match goes to be this robust, it should be a troublesome (season).”
Ruud’s concern might develop as he confronted 9 break factors through the match, regardless of his early management within the third set.
