China and Brazil will kick off Group E of the United Cup on Friday in Perth, Australia. With defending champions Germany in the same group, this becomes a crucial tie for both teams. China is without Qinwen Zheng, while Brazil is without Thiago Seyboth Wild. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate on day one, including Kazakhstan vs Spain. But which team will come out on top?
United Cup Predictions: China vs Brazil
Gao Xinyu vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Beatriz Haddad Maia had another solid season in 2024 and won a title in Seoul. However, by her high recent standards it was possibly a slight disappointment and the Brazilian will surely be looking to get back inside the top 10 in 2025. There will be tougher tests to come if she is to accomplish that, but this should be a good match to start the season. The Brazilian player has a great record at the United Cup and shouldn’t have too many problems against the inexperienced Gao Xinyu.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
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Zhang Zhizheng vs Thiago Monteiro
Head-to-Head: Zhang 1-0 Monteiro
Zhang Zhizhen is playing in his second United Cup, but has gained a lot of experience on the tour since he debuted at this event. This is a big match for both teams but especially for China given Gao may be up against in her singles match. Thiago Monteiro is also playing at the United Cup for the second time but he has never won a match at this event. Monteiro played some high-quality tennis at times in the 2024 season but he remains very much a clay-court specialist. On hard courts, Zhang has the edge. Monteiro will have to serve at a high level to have any chance.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
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Zhang Shuai and Zhang Zhizhen vs Beatriz Haddad Maia and Rafael Matos
The Chinese team will go in as the favourites in this matchup as both Zhang Shuai and Zhang are experienced doubles players. The latter won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics in mixed doubles while Zhang Shuai is a two-time Grand Slam winner in doubles and a former world #2. Haddad Maia and Rafael Matos are also accomplished doubles players but it will be interesting to see how well they can perform
Prediction: Zhang/Zhang in 3
Main photo credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
