January 07, (THEWILL) – In a dramatic turn of events, German tennis star, Alexander Zverev, saved two match points to defeat Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the United Cup mixed team tournament final on Sunday. The marathon 6-7(3), 7-6(6), 6-4 victory levelled the final at 1-1 after world number one Iga Swiatek dominated earlier to give Poland the lead.
The 26-year-old Zverev, ranked number six globally, was pushed to his limits by his counterpart Hurkacz in a physically demanding opening set. Hurkacz edged the tie-break to put Poland in sight of their first-ever team title. However, Zverev miraculously saved two match points – including an incredible forehand passing shot – to turn the tables in the second set tie-break.
As Hurkacz faltered, Zverev gained despite clear fatigue to move ahead in the deciding set. After almost three gruelling hours, the German clung on to convert his second championship point and force a mixed doubles decider. The epic comeback keeps Germany’s hopes alive going into the final clash.
Earlier, newly turned 22-year-old Swiatek cruised past former Australian Open champion, Angelique Kerber, in straight sets. Swiatek, the top-ranked women’s ace, denied Kerber after a highly competitive start between the Grand Slam winners.
With the Australian Open looming, Swiatek shifted gears in the opening set as Kerber’s level dropped despite matching her game initially. The world number one then steamrolled Kerber 6-0 in the second set to claim the win in just 70 minutes.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
