World no. 2 Alexander Zverev made a convincing start to the season. The defending United Cup champions passed Brazil thanks to singles victories from Laura Siegemund and Zverev. Alexander beat Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 6-4 in an hour and 17 minutes.
The favorite fired 11 aces and dominated behind the first serve. He faced no break points, mounting the pressure on the other side. A left-hander fought well bout could not extend the battle, facing four break points and suffering one break in each set.
SMOOOOTH 😎
Zverev makes a cracking start to the second set after sealing the first 6-4 🇩🇪#UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/RvYhGiVSD1
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) December 29, 2024
Alexander played well at the net in the first game of the encounter and drew the rival’s mistake on a second break point to forge an early advantage. World no. 2 closed the second game with a service winner and mirrored that two games later for 3-1.
United Cup 2025© Stream screenshot
Thiago saved a break point in the fifth game and closed the game to remain within one break deficit. Zverev closed the sixth game at love with a service winner and grabbed the eighth with another booming initial shot for a 5-3 advantage.
Monteiro served to stay in the set in game nine and landed an unreturned serve for 4-5. Alexander served for the opener in game ten and fired an ace down the T line for 6-4 after 41 minutes. Like in the opener, the Brazilian faced issues at the beginning of the second set.
Alexander Zverev, United Cup 2025© Stream screenshot
World no. 2 endured an entertaining rally in the first point of the set and closed it with a backhand down the line winner. Monteiro sprayed a backhand error, dropping serve at love and sending Zverev a set and a break in front.
Alexander landed an ace in the second game and extended his streak. World no. 2 secured another fine hold in the fourth game with an ace and held at love two games later for 4-2. Monteiro served better after that early setback but required a break to extend his chances.
However, Zverev did not allow his any breathing room on the return! The German painted a forehand winner in the eighth game for a hold at love and served for the win at 5-4. Alexander fired a service winner on a match point. sealing the deal and notching his first victory of the season.
Tennis World USA