Zverev absence costs Germany at United Cup

Alexander Zverev pulled out of singles on New Year’s Day singles at the United Cup, with the German’s precautionary decision costing the defending champion nation a possible semi-final place.

Opponent Kazakhstan took full advantage, with Alexander Shevchenko fighting through heat illness to defeat German sub Daniel Masur 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-2 to clinch the tie after Elena Rybakina had crushed Laura Siegemund 6-3, 6-1.

The untouchable 2-0 scoreline sends the Kazaks to Sydney for a weekend semi-final at the 18-nation mixed-teams event which also staged group rounds in Perth on the western side of the continent.

Shevchenko needed a medical timeout after losing the second set but starting the second with a break of Masur in a match played in searing summer heat.

The pause gave psychological as well as physical relief, with the 78th-ranked Kazakh never again threatened as he clinched the tie.

“I’m proud of myself and our team, they pushed me so hard to win this match,” Shevchenko said. “After (losing) the first set, I knew I had to shorten the rallies and play aggressively, tee off on the ball..

“I just kept pushing after the first set and I’m really happy about it.”

Shevchenko said the heat got to him at the start: “I was struggling in this (37 C) heat, it was so rough. I had a headache and my head was spinning.. But I wanted to win this one.”