The United Cup continues with a packed schedule on day 2 of the event. Germany vs Italy is the evening tie in Sydney. Three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber makes her return to tennis at the United Cup, with Alexander Zverev another player in action. We at LWOT also have predictions for the other United Cup Day 2 matches, including Tallon Griekspoor vs Casper Ruud and Marketa Vondrousova vs Qinwen Zheng.
United Cup Day 2 Predictions
Angelique Kerber vs Jasmine Paolini
Head-to-head: First meeting
This is Kerber’s first match in over a year, after stepping away from tennis on maternity leave. It is difficult to know what level she will be at technically and physically. The German will hope the immense talent she possesses leads to her best tennis returning quickly.
Paolini will provide a very stiff opening challenge for Kerber, especially of the 2018 Wimbledon champion’s physicality. The Italian is one of the best movers on the WTA Tour, and made huge improvements last season. It would be foolish to completely right off a champion like Kerber, but Paolini seems like a very difficult matchup so early into her comeback.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Alexander Zverev vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head-to-head: Zverev 2-0 Sonego
Sonego will provide a somewhat similar challenge to Zverev that Paolini poses to Kerber. Although the Italian is capable of impressive firepower with his forehand, the core of Sonego’s game is consistency and making it difficult for his opponent. Zverev will need to be sharp from the start of the season to overcome this battle.
However, expect the 2020 US Open runner-up to do exactly like that. Zverev got better throughout last season, and is back near the level he had before the injury he sustained at the 2022 French Open. A big part of that improvement is due to increased rally tolerance, with the German cutting out many of the unforced errors. That quality is needed against Sonego. Expect Zverev to find it often enough to win.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Laura Siegemund/Maximillian Marterer vs Angelica Moratelli/Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-head: First meeting
It is Siegemund who has the most impressive doubles credentials of the four players. The 35-year-old is a Grand Slam, WTA Finals and WTA 1000 champion in doubles. Moratelli does play doubles regularly, but she has reached one final on the WTA Tour. Neither Marterer or Cobolli have played many doubles matches throughout their careers.
Siegemund’s impressive CV does not guarantee success. Certain pairings gel better than others, and her and Marterer will need to prove they can do so effectively. Overall, though, Siegemund has a very adaptable game that should be able to adjust to most partners. The Germans are considerable favourites for this one.
Prediction: Siegemund/Marterer in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
