Final Up to date: January 02, 2023, 11:20 IST
Alexander Zverev (left) struggled together with his motion. (AP Photograph)
German two-time ATP Finals champion Zverev slumped 6-1, 6-4 in simply 64 minutes to the world quantity 9 in Sydney as he continued his return from critical harm
Taylor Fritz inflicted a second straight defeat Monday on struggling former world quantity two Alexander Zverev on the United Cup as the US powered right into a playoff match in opposition to Britain.
German two-time ATP Finals champion Zverev slumped 6-1, 6-4 in simply 64 minutes to the world quantity 9 in Sydney as he continued his return from critical harm.
It adopted a straight-sets loss to 81st-ranked Czech Jiri Lehecka on Saturday in his first aggressive match since tearing three proper ankle ligaments throughout his French Open semi-final in opposition to Rafael Nadal in June.
“It was robust to guage my stage as a result of I really feel he’s getting back from harm, he’s a bit rusty, he was giving me loads of free factors,” stated Fritz, who had a breakthrough yr in 2022 with titles at Indian Wells, Tokyo and Eastbourne.
“However I’m actually proud of it. I’m positive it received’t take him too lengthy to completely get his type again.”
The mixed-team match options 18 international locations enjoying in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
The winners of the 2 teams in every metropolis advance to a metropolis ultimate on Wednesday, with whoever comes via that making the ultimate 4.
Madison Keys adopted teammate Fritz’s lead with a dominant efficiency of her personal, sweeping previous Jule Niemeier 6-2, 6-3 for her second win of the season.
It ensured the Individuals will face Britain within the Sydney metropolis ultimate.
“I feel general I performed actually strong,” stated Keys. “I simply tried to make as many first serves as potential to make issues as straightforward as a tennis match may very well be.”
Zverev struggled together with his motion, not chasing at full throttle, and appeared lacklustre within the first set, which was over in simply 21 minutes — he didn’t win a single level off Fritz’s first serve and solely two off the American’s second.
Olympic champion Zverev, who has dropped to 12 on this planet from a career-high two earlier than his harm, put up extra of a battle within the second set as his confidence grew.
He held serve however was damaged on the subsequent to go 3-1 behind. Zverev labored his first, and solely, break level of the match at 2-3 however Fritz held on and wrapped up the victory with an ace, serving out to like.
Later Monday, world quantity two Nadal will look to bounce again in Sydney from a three-set loss to Cameron Norrie as he seeks a primary win of the season in opposition to Australia’s Alex de Minaur.
Neither Spain nor Australia can advance from Group D, with Norrie’s Britain already the confirmed winner.
Polish world primary Iga Swiatek and Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic sq. off in a winner-takes-all tie that may determine Group B in Brisbane, whereas Italy want a win in opposition to eradicated Norway in Group E to advance at Brazil’s expense.
In Perth, France and Croatia battle it out to win Group F, whereas Belgium have to defeat Greece at the least 4-1 to qualify from Group A.
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