Rybakina’s Kazakhstan knock Zverev-less Germany out of United Cup
The defending champions lost to the Kazakhs 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the mixed-team event in Perth
Imago / Panoramic
Kazakhstan knocked Germany out of the 2025 United Cup by defeating them 2-1 in the quarter-finals on Wednesday (January 1) at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
The Germans won Group E with wins against China and Brazil but couldn’t get the better of Group C winners in the fight for a semi-final spot after their marquee Alexander Zverev was forced to sit out due to discomfort in biceps. Daniel Masur stepped in for the world No 2.
For Kazakhstan, Elena Rybakina provided the desired start as she defeated Laura Siegemund 6-3, 6-1 in an hour, two minutes, firing six aces and breaking the German four times.
“Feeling better on the court and physically also,” Rybakina said after her win. “It was a long trip. It’s not easy at the beginning but really happy with the performance and really looking forward to the next match. All the guys are pretty funny and it’s nice to play a team competition. It’s so rare that we get a chance to do that. I’m so happy to be here and also the first time in Perth. I really like everything.”
I saw the faces of my team, and they didn’t want to go to a decider.”
Alexander Shevchenko
After Rybakina, it was Shevchenko‘s turn to deliver and he didn’t disappoint, overcoming Masur with a comeback effort, ending Germany’s title defense.
The world No 78 was pushed to his limits by Zverev’s replacement but he prevailed 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-2 in two hours, 16 minutes on the back of 11 aces and five break-point successes. His win meant the Kazakhs were through before the mixed-doubles match in the quarter-final tie.
“It was a struggle in this heat, he made me run a lot, he was more aggressive,” Shevchenko said after the win. “That’s why I got tired, my head was spinning. I’m really proud that I found this win for our team, because I was fighting hard. I saw the faces of my team, and they didn’t want to go to a decider. I was also a little bit nervous, because I knew if I won, the tie was over.”
Notably, the Germans salvaged a win as Siegemund teamed up with Tim Puetz to win the dead rubber against Zhibek Kulambayeva and Dmitry Popko.
