Elena Rybakina’s Kazakhstan eliminated defending Champions Germany from the United Cup on Wednesday, as Alexander Zverev was sidelined due to an arm injury, just one week before the Australian Open. Meanwhile, top seeds USA triumphed over China to secure their spot in the semi-finals. In Sydney, Iga Swiatek, the world number two, led Poland to the quarter-finals with a victory over Karolina Muchova in a rematch of their 2023 French Open final. Britain also advanced to the quarter-finals, with Katie Boulter’s dominant 6-2, 6-1 win over Olivia Gadecki of Australia sealing their group victory.
Kazakhstan Advances To Semi-Finals After Defeating Defending Champions Germany
Kazakhstan secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 18-nation United Cup after a stunning upset in Perth. Elena Rybakina, ranked sixth, earned the first point for Kazakhstan with a dominant 6-3, 6-1 win over Laura Siegemund. Alexander Zverev, who was set to face Alexander Shevchenko, withdrew from his match due to a bicep strain, leaving the 254th-ranked Daniel Masur to step in. Despite Masur’s valiant effort, Shevchenko triumphed 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-2 after a medical timeout in the second set, citing difficulty breathing and dizziness. Shevchenko, who had previously upset Stefanos Tsitsipas, acknowledged the tough conditions and adjusted his strategy after losing the first set.
US Advances To Semi Finals With Win By Gauff And Fritz
US progressed to the Semi-Finals of the United Cup on Wednesday, defeating China after singles victories from Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz. World number three Gauff overcame Zhang Shuai 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, giving the U.S. an early advantage. Fritz sealed the win with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Zhang Zhizhen. “Coco did such a good job putting us ahead, and I just had to do my part to finish it off,” Fritz said. Acknowledging the pressure, he expressed relief at his solid performance and was pleased with the outcome, especially after Gauff’s perfect week.
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Swiatek’s Grit And Britain’s Dominance Secure Key Wins
Five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek showcased her intensity with a hard-fought 6-3, 6-4 victory over Karolina Muchova, following teammate Hubert Hurkacz’s three-set loss to Tomas Machac. Swiatek then paired with Hurkacz in the deciding mixed doubles, defeating Muchova and Machac 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 to keep Poland’s United Cup hopes alive. Reflecting on her win, Swiatek praised Muchova’s precision and intensity, highlighting the challenge of their match.
Meanwhile, Britain confirmed their quarter-final spot with Katie Boulter delivering a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over Australia’s Olivia Gadecki, showcasing consistency and baseline depth in just 70 minutes. Although her fiancé Alex de Minaur cruised past Billy Harris 6-2, 6-1 in men’s singles, it was insufficient as Britain had already advanced.
