Overview
- Alexander Zverev defeated Tallon Griekspoor 7-5, 6-0 in Sydney to secure a 2-0 lead for Germany, with Poland up next in group play on Monday.
- He reiterated that he is a "diesel engine" who needs match play before majors and has chosen the United Cup as his lone tune-up for the Australian Open starting January 18.
- Zverev said he is trending toward playing pain-free after physical issues last year, following a season that included mental struggles and a first-round loss at Wimbledon.
- The world No. 3 remains more than 6,000 ranking points behind Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who are not competing at the United Cup.
- His father, Alexander Zverev Sr., is serving as Germany’s team chief for the event, and teammate Eva Lys opened with a straight-sets win.