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Fit & Firing, Zverev Excited To Return At United Cup

German leads his nation in Sydney
December 29, 2022
Alexander Zverev will face Jiri Lehecka on Saturday in Sydney.
TENNIS AUSTRALIA
Alexander Zverev will face Jiri Lehecka on Saturday in Sydney. By ATP Staff

After six months out, Alexander Zverev will make his return from injury this week when he competes for Team Germany at the United Cup. The two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion tore three ligaments in his right ankle during his Roland Garros semi-final clash against Rafael Nadal in June, before suffering a bone edema injury in September.

Fit again, the 25-year-old is delighted to be able to compete over the next fortnight in Sydney, having endured a testing period on the sidelines.

“Finally being back on court, being back in a competitive official tournament as well [is great],” Zverev said. “It's been a long time for me unfortunately but I'm looking forward to Australia. I've always enjoyed being here, I've always enjoyed coming back here and as I said, just playing tennis again, just being out competing and I've always enjoyed team events.

“Of course, I'm coming back from injury. I think I'm not going to be playing my absolute best tennis this week but I'm looking forward to being back on the court and I think the team atmosphere will help.”

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Zverev will spearhead Team Germany at the United Cup, a new 18-country mixed-teams event held in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney. The World No. 12 feels the tournament is an important step forward in the development of the sport.

“I think this is a very, very special one,” Zverev said. “I think it's very unique – not only in tennis but I think in all different kinds of sport, where men and women compete together. I hope it's going to be a very positive week for all of us and I think that it's innovative and I think it's very important for the sports world.”

Zverev will be joined in Team Germany by WTA players Jule Niemeier, Laura Siegemund, Anna-Lena Friedsam and Julia Lohoff, with Oscar Otte, Daniel Altmaier and Fabian Fallert making up the men’s quartet.

The 19-time tour-level titlist believes his nation has the ability to enjoy a deep run in Sydney, starting against Team United States and Team Czech Republic in Group C.

“I think the dynamic is great. We all get along nicely,” Zverev said. “We all [are] kind of getting to know each other a little bit still but we're trying to spend time outside the court together so the dynamic and the atmosphere is better on the court.

“I think we have very, very strong women with Jule Niemeier, who is a young up-and-coming player. We've got a very good doubles mixed team possibly with Laura [Siegemund] and myself and the guys I think are quite strong.”

Zverev will hope to make a winning start on his return when he faces Next Gen ATP Finals runner-up Jiri Lehecka in the opening match of Team Germany’s tie against Team Czech Republic on Saturday.

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