Germany complete comeback to beat Poland and lift United Cup

Germany beat top seeds Poland to clinch the United Cup on Sunday after Alexander Zverev and Laura Siegemund won the deciding mixed doubles tie over Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek.

With the score tied at 1-1 after Swiatek and Zverev won their respective singles matches, the German duo won the doubles match 6-4 5-7 10-4.

Germany had a relatively poor group stage and just about qualified for the knockouts, but Zverev and Siegemund formed a formidable pair to rescue their side by winning three deciders in as many days to lead their team to the title

“It’s been absolutely amazing. It’s been a pleasure and it’s been absolutely so much fun for everybody to be part of this team, especially for me,” Zverev said.

“I really thank you guys for being part of this. I really couldn’t be happier be sharing this trophy with anybody than you guys.” Poland did not go home empty handed, however, with Swiatek picking up the Most Valuable Player award having won all her singles ties as well as the mixed doubles matches before the final.

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“It was really tight. Last year we made it to the semi-finals and this year to the finals. So hopefully the next step is going to be winning (the trophy),” Swiatek said.

In the singles rubbers, world number one Swiatek stepped up preparations for the Australian Open starting next Sunday by fending off Angelique Kerber after a high-quality start by both players.

The four-times Grand Slam champion moved up a gear in the opening set as Kerber, who returned to action in the tournament after 18 months on maternity leave, dropped her level having gone toe to toe with her opponent until 3-3.

The 22-year-old Swiatek looked unstoppable in the second set and she wrapped up a 6-3 6-0 win in 70 minutes.

Zverev then saved two match points against Hurkacz to prevail 6-7(3) 7-6(6) 6-4 and level the tie.