United Cup 2024
Germany completed a memorable comeback in the early hours of Monday morning to knock off Poland 2-1 for the United Cup trophy.
Alexander Zverev played a starring role, saving two championship points in his own comeback win over Hubert Hurkacz in the men’s singles to level the tie, before he teamed up with Laura Siegemund to overcome Iga Swiatek and Hurkacz to seal the crown.
Zverev and Siegemund were taken to a deciding tie-break by Hurkacz and Swiatek but the German pair produced the stronger finish to prevail 6-4 5-7 10-4.
“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 after the doubles.
“Congrats to team Poland, amazing run. It was a matter of millimetres today for you guys to be the champions.”
Auckland Classic 2024
US Open champion Coco Gauff needed three sets to defeat Elina Svitolina as the American won the Auckland Classic on Sunday, as they prepare for the upcoming Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year.
She dropped the first set to Elina Svitolina, then came back to win 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3. Gauff, still only 19 years old, lost the first set three times at last year’s US Open but found her way to the title.
“I think today level-wise was definitely not my best match or best level this week,” she said. “But sometimes when you win when you’re not playing your best, it makes you feel more satisfied.”
Anna Danilina and Viktoria Hruncakova defeated Marie Bouzková and Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the final, 6–3, 6–7(5–7), [10–8] to win the women’s doubles tennis title at the 2024 WTA Auckland Open.
Miyu Kato and Aldila Sutjiadi were the reigning champions, but chose to compete in Brisbane instead.
Brisbane International 2024
Elena Rybakina trounced the defending Australian Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka, 6-0, 6-3 to storm to the Brisbane International title. The Kazakh world No 4 spent less than five hours on court while recording five impressive victories in the Queensland capital.
Rybakina expressed her sentiments on the court after receiving the trophy, acknowledging the challenge of playing against her opponent despite the score.
“We always push each other, and I think that is great. We improve this way, so hopefully, we continue,” said Rybakina.
Grigor Dimitrov has scripted a memorable new chapter in his proud history at the Brisbane International.
Dimitrov clinched the 2024 title with a hard-fought 7-6(5) 6-4 victory against world No.8 Holger Rune in the men’s singles final at Pat Rafter Arena.
It was a ninth career title for the Bulgarian, who last triumphed at the ATP Finals in 2017, a year in which he also won the Brisbane International. Dimitrov, the second seed, said: “It’s been a while since I held one of these, it’s a bit emotional. It’s a great start to the year and we have a lot to build on. Hopefully we can go one step further at the Australian Open.”
Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands and Brit Lloyd Glasspool claim Brisbane International 2024 men’s doubles title.
The second seeds captured their maiden team title with a hard-fought 7-6(3) 5-7 [12-10] victory against German duo Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in final at Pat Rafter Arena.
Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko defeated Greet Minnen and Heather Watson in the final, 7–5, 6–2 to win the women’s doubles tennis title at the 2024 Brisbane International.
“It was a great week,” beamed Ostapenko, who also advanced to the singles quarterfinals in her tournament debut.