United Cup: Alexander Zverev inspires Germany to title-winning comeback against Poland
- Published
Germany are the second winners of the United Cup
Alexander Zverev sensationally battled back from two championship points down to inspire Germany's comeback victory over Poland in the United Cup final.
Women's world number one Iga Swiatek beat Angelique Kerber 6-3 6-0 to give Poland the lead in Sydney.
But Zverev recovered from the brink of defeat in his second set against Hubert Hurkacz to win 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.
He then partnered Laura Siegemund to a dramatic mixed doubles victory, taking the title in a match tie-break.
Zverev and Siegemund were taken to a deciding tie-break by Hurkacz and Swiatek but the German pair produced the stronger finish to prevail 6-4 5-7 10-4.
Germany became the second winners of the tournament, which was won by the United States when it was held for the first time in 2023.
"It's been absolutely amazing. It's been a pleasure and it's been absolutely so much fun for everybody to be part of this team, especially for me," Zverev said.
"Congrats to team Poland, amazing run. It was a matter of millimetres today for you guys to be the champions."
Zverev leads Germany's fightback
It had all started perfectly for Poland, as Swiatek efficiently settled the opening rubber against former top-ranked women's player Kerber.
The 22-year-old was put under pressure by Kerber, making her return to competition following maternity leave, and faced five break points in the first set.
But it was the Pole who seized her opportunity in the eighth game - before sweeping her opponent aside in a dominant second set to extend her personal winning streak to 16 matches.
Aware victory against Zverev would give Poland an unassailable 2-0 lead, Hurkacz appeared set to deliver just that.
But Zverev, facing two match points at 6-4 down in the second-set tie-break, saved the first by hitting a stunning passing shot on the run and then won the next three points to force a decider.
The 26-year-old recovered from that narrow escape by taking the third set with a single break to set up a tense finale to the tournament, with both players returning shortly after their singles match for the deciding mixed doubles.
Zverev and Siegemund had come out on top in a 28-point match tie-break against Australia to send Germany, who only progressed from the group stage as one of the best placed runners-up, into the final.
And, when the concluding tie-break arrived, they rose to the occasion - racing into a 6-1 lead before taking the first of their five championship points and embracing on the court as the Germany celebrations began at 00:45am local time.
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