United Cup: Germany defeat Poland in deciding mixed doubles to lift trophy
This was the third consecutive tie that Germany won the deciding mixed doubles match at the United Cup
Team Germany with the United Cup 2024 trophy
Germany won the second edition of the United Cup after winning the deciding mixed doubles rubber in a match tiebreak in Sydney on Sunday night.
The tie was locked at 1-1 after Poland’s Iga Swiatek scored a 6-3, 6-0 win over former world No 1 Angelique Kerber, and Germany’s Alexander Zverev saved two championship points to overcome Hubert Hurkacz 6-7 (3), 7-6(6), 6-4.
In the mixed doubles contest, Zverev returned to partner Laura Siegemund and the Germans scored a 6-4, 5-7, 10-4 win over Swiatek and Hurkacz. This was the third consecutive tie that Germany won the deciding mixed doubles rubber.
Understandably, Zverev was delighted to win the title with his compatriots and also called out Team Poland for their run to the final.
“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 during the on-court presentation ceremony. “I really thank you guys for being part of this. I really couldn’t be happier be sharing this trophy with anybody than you guys.”
“Congrats to Team Poland, amazing run. It was a matter of millimetres today for you guys to be the champions,” the German added. “I know it is upsetting, but you guys all have I think an amazing season ahead. Iga, congratulations on the MVP. I said it before in an interview, I think having you on a team is like having a cheat code on a video game, so it’s amazing what you’ve been doing for the past few years and I think you have a big season ahead.”
After reaching the semi-finals in the inaugural edition in 2023 and the finals this time, Swiatek is hoping the Poles will go all the way in 2025.
“It was really tight. Last year we made it to the semi-finals, this year to the final so hopefully the next step is going to be winning,” the world No 1 said. “For sure we’re making progress and I want to thank my team, all the players, the captain, who I convinced to be a captain. And he did an amazing job, really supported us throughout the whole tournament.”
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