The third edition of the United Cup and the first tournament of the 2025 tennis season will get underway on Friday in Australia. 18 countries are participating in this exciting event which consists of six groups of three teams. Perth and Sydney will be the two host cities and the former will host the teams of Group C and E on day one. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for all the matches on the slate, including China vs Brazil. But who will come out on top?
United Cup Predictions: Kazakhstan vs Spain
Alexander Shevchenko vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Head-to-Head: Carreno Busta 1-0 Shevchenko
Alexander Shevchenko didn’t have the best 2024 battling inconsistency throughout the season. He comes into 2025 on a three-match losing streak and will look to play some good tennis to start the 2025 season. With Carlos Alcaraz not present, Pablo Carreno Busta has a big responsibility on his shoulders. He has been a brilliant player on hard courts, with his career highlights including a semifinal showing at the US Open and a bronze medal in Tokyo, and the Spaniard easily dismissed Shevchenko in their only previous meeting which should give him confidence. Carreno Busta may not be the force he once was, but he should have the edge here.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 2
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Elena Rybakina vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Head-to-head: first meeting
Elena Rybakina couldn’t play as many matches as she would have liked to in 2024 due to health issues but the Kazakh still had a good year in some respects. Indeed, in terms of win percentage, it was her best season as a professional. Rybakina is participating in the United Cup for the first time and is a heavy favourite to win this match. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro had a very good 2024 season and made a significant jump in the rankings. However, Rybakina might be too tough an opponent for the Spaniard.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
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Elena Rybakina and Alexander Shevchenko vs Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers and Sergio Martos Gornes
This doubles match might well prove to be the decider in this tie, making this a crucial match. Rybakina and Shevchenko have never paired up together and they don’t have much experience in doubles. The Spanish duo has more experience, but they are also not excellent doubles players, and they will be playing together for the first time. This could probably go either way, but Rybakina’s quality might just tip it in favour of Kazakhstan.
Prediction: Rybakina/Shevchenko in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
