PERTH - Alexander Zverev eased past Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 6-4 as Germany beat Brazil for a winning start to their United Cup defence on Dec 29, while the Czech Republic got the better of Norway in a hard-fought match.
Zverev had a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging his ankle ligaments at the 2022 French Open but returned to his career-high ranking of No. 2 following his Paris Masters triumph in November.
The 27-year-old continued his good form in the mixed-team tournament that kicks off the new season, as he used his heavy shots from the baseline to grab a break in the first game and took the opening set on serve with a huge ace.
Zverev stepped up a gear at the start of the next set with a stunning backhand winner en route to another break and he closed out the match comfortably to give Germany an unassailable 2-0 lead in Perth.
Denne historien er fra December 30, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra December 30, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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