Alexander Zverev scored his second victory of the season at the United Cup. World no. 2 faced Zhizhen Zhang and scored a 2-6, 6-0, 6-2 victory in two hours and five minutes. The German overcame a slow start and dominated sets two and three to emerge at the top.
Zverev played better behind the first and second serve following rock-solid performance after the opener. He played against five break points, four in the first part of the duel. Zhang grabbed two breaks in the first and made a reliable start.
The Chinese faded from the court after that, losing serve five times and missing a chance to chase a notable victory.
Flipping the script 📄
Zverev pulls out the ultimate comeback against Zhang to win 2-6 6-0 6-2 🇩🇪#UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/hfsZyJaxOe
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) December 30, 2024
Zhizhen was off to a great start. He landed a forehand crosscourt winner in the first game of the encounter for an early advantage. The Chinese produced three fine holds and forged a 4-2 advantage. Struggling to find his strokes, Alexander played another loose service game.
Alexander Zverev & Zhizhen Zhang, United Cup 2025© Stream screenshot
He sent a forehand long and sent his opponent 5-2 in front. Zhang served for the set in game eight and landed a forehand winner after the third deuce for 6-2 in 32 minutes. Alexander welcomed Zhizhen’s backhand error in the second game of ther second set for a break.
The German denied a break point in the third game after the rival’s wild forehand and provided another return game in the next one for 4-0. Zhizhen missed another forehand in the sixth game, experiencing a bagel and allowing Alexander to force a decider after an hour and 24 minutes.
Alexander Zverev, United Cup 2025© Stream screenshot
Two rivals served well in the opening five games of the final set. Zverev stepped in and grabbed a break at 3-2 after Zhang’s wayward forehand, moving closer to the finish line. World no. 2 closed the seventh game with a service winner, opening a 5-2 lead.
Zhizhen served to stay in the match in game eight and missed a game point. Alexander created a match point and converted it with a forehand winner, moving over the top and earning his second victory of 2025.
Tennis World USA