Germany and Italy, both realistic United Cup title candidates, kick off their campaigns on Sunday. Alexander Zverev and Germany face the Netherlands, while Italy takes on Switzerland.
Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. Tallon Greek Spoor (NED)
It is only fitting that Zverev and Greek Spoor face each other in their first match of the year in the United Cup on Sunday. These two familiar foes faced each other four times last season and met a ridiculous eight times dating back to 2024. Zverev leads the head-to-head series 8-2, although many of their matches were absolute thrillers and Greekpoor at least managed to score a recent win at the 2025 Indian Wells Masters (in a final-set tiebreak).
This is Zverev’s fourth appearance in the United Cup. The third-ranked German is 6-1 in his last seven singles matches at the event, with only a defeat to Alex de Minaur in the 2024 semi-finals. Zverev eventually defeated Hurkacz in the final as the Germans lifted the trophy. Greek Spoor started last year in impressive form, but his second half was mainly a disaster. From Wimbledon until the end of the season, the 26th seeded Dutchman lost his opening match in nine hard-to-believe tournaments. A much more confident Zverev should have the upper hand in Sydney.
Choice: Zverev and 2
Flavio Cobolli (ITA) vs. Stan Wawrinka (SUI)
The United Cup marks the beginning of the end for Wawrinka, who recently announced his upcoming retirement from tennis. This is Wawrinka’s last season on tour, and he can only hope that it will be at least slightly more successful than his penultimate effort. The 40-year-old Swiss won only four matches at ATP level in 2025 and is ranked 157th.
After a duel with Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech on Saturday, Wawrinka will face Cobolli without rest. Is it a tough match for the veteran considering Cobolli finished his 2025 campaign in excellent form? In Jannik Sinner’s absence, the 23-year-old helped Italy to a third successive Davis Cup title as he posted a perfect 3-0 record in the final. Cobolli should be in line for more success when he plays for his country at this mixed event in Perth.
Choice: Cobolli in 2
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