The 2024 United Cup has produced excellent tennis to start the season, and now the final has been reached. Poland takes on Germany for the title. Last year’s French Open winner and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek will be hoping to lead her team to glory. As always, we at LWOT predict the outcomes of all the matches, and also predict the other finals taking place on the same day, such as the Auckland final between Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina.
United Cup Final Predictions
Hubert Hurkacz vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-head: Zverev 2-0 Hurkacz
Although Zverev leads the head-to-head, these two have not played in over two years. Despite losing to Alex de Minaur, Zverev has been playing very well at the United Cup. It took a superb performance from the Australian to beat him. Last year’s Shanghai Masters champion Hurkacz started slowly at the event but performed strongly in his last two singles matches.
This will be tight, with Hurkacz’s serve being the biggest factor. Zverev’s baseline game is superior, and he is likely to take his chances if he gets into enough rallies. I think the courts are just slow enough for Zverev to find enough opportunities to claim United Cup victory.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Iga Swiatek/Hubert Hurkacz vs Laura Siegemund/Maximilian Marterer
Head-to-head: First meeting
It will be interesting to observe if this really is the United Cup doubles team Germany goes with. Zverev played with Siegemund in the quarterfinal and semifinal, and the two were a good partnership. Zverev may be feeling slightly fatigued and thinking ahead to the Australian Open. However, if the tie is locked at 1-1 heading into this one, Zverev playing does seem possible.
Regardless, toppling the formidable Polish duo will be very difficult. Swiatek and Hurkacz’s partnership has included a 6-0 6-0 drubbing against Spain. Their playing styles complement each other perfectly. Siegemund does have an excellent doubles record in her own right, and a German victory is not impossible. However, it is hard to go against Swiatek and Hurkacz in the United Cup doubles.
Prediction: Swiatek/Hurkacz in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Angelique Kerber
Head-to-head: Swiatek 1-0 Kerber
Swiatek has been outstanding at the United Cup, even by her own very high standards. The set she dropped against Caroline Garcia was her first in six matches, and the world No. 1 rebounded to easily win the following two sets 6-1 6-1. This match is a big ask for Kerber. She got a very welcome victory in the semifinal against Ajla Tomljanovic, prevailing in a final-set tiebreak. This was the first singles win since her comeback.
Kerber will need to have a perfect day with her formidable forehand to have a chance. Overall though, it is difficult to see her staying the course against Swiatek so early into her return to tennis.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
