Alexander Zverev is far from his best level. The Olympic champion suffered a crushing defeat on Saturday in his first ATP match since tearing ligaments in his ankle during his match against Rafa Nadal at Roland Garros in June.
The German, who made eight double faults, lost to Jiri Lehecka (81st in the world) 6-4, 6-2.which gave the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead over Germany in the United Cup, the mixed team tournament being played today in Australia.
Zverev saved a couple of break points at 2-3 in the first set, but a double fault at 4-5 gave the Czech a set point which he didn’t miss with a great lob.
The German had two break points in the first game of the second setbut he squandered his chance with normal unforced errors in a player lacking competitive rhythm.
Zverev didn’t give up at the start of the second set, but an untimely double fault cost him a break in the sixth game (4-2) and there he threw in the towel against an old rival whose pulse was not quivering at the close of the match.
Following this, Marie Bouzkova defeated Jule Niemeier 6-2, 7-5 in the second match. to give the Czechs a 2-0 lead, having lost their tournament opener to the United States 4-1.
In Perth, Bulgaria and Belgium drew 1-1 after the first day. Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov beat David Goffin 6-4, 7-5, after Alison Van Uytvanck defeated Isabella Shinikova 6-1, 3-6, 6-2, giving Belgium an early lead.
In other games this Saturday, Brazil beat Norway 2-0 in Brisbane. World number 15 Beatriz Haddad Maia raised her tournament record to 2-0 after defeating Norway’s Malene Helgo 6-4 6-2. Felipe Meligeni Alves gave Brazil its second victory of the day by beating Viktor Durasovic 6-3, 6-3.
For her part, Iga Swiatek gave Poland its first point against Kazakhstan by beating Yulia Putintseva 6-1, 6-3 in Brisbane. “The first games of the season are always a little rusty, so I’m glad that in the important moments he was very composed,” Swiatek said.
After the games played on Friday, Greece, ranked first, leads Group ASwitzerland leads Group B, the United States leads Group C, Great Britain leads Group D, Italy leads Group E and France leads Group F (5-0).
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
