Germany will kick off their title defense against Brazil, who lost their tie against China 3-0. Alexander Zverev is the highest-ranked player in this edition of the United Cup and the heartbeat of Germany. Will Germany get off to a winning start or can Brazil bounce back? As always, we at LWOT will offer our predictions for all the matches in this tie, as well as Karolina Muchova vs Malene Helgo and Coco Gauff vs Leylah Fernandez. But who will claim the points on offer?
United Cup Day 3 Predictions: Germany vs Brazil
Laura Siegemund vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Head-to-Head: Siegemund 1-1 Haddad Maia
Germany doesn’t have the services of Angelique Kerber anymore so Laura Siegemund will have lots of expectations on her shoulders. Siegemund is a great doubles player but she played a lot of singles matches in 2024 and had some good runs. Beatriz Haddad Maia lost a marathon match against Xinyu Gao of China and that was a big blow for Brazil. Haddad Maia is again the favourite to win this match but it won’t be easy.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
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Alexander Zverev vs Thiago Monteiro
Head-to-Head: Zverev 2-0 Monteiro
Alexander Zverev had a wonderful 2024 season and will look to start the new season with a win. Zverev was outstanding in the previous United Cup, and his performance will be critical if Germany is to defend its title. Thiago Monteiro lost badly to Zhizhen Zhang and will need to play at a much higher level to make this match competitive.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
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Laura Siegemund and Alexander Zverev vs Beatriz Haddad Maia and Rafael Matos
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Siegemund and Zverev won some incredible matches in the previous edition of the United Cup. The pair have a 5-1 win-loss record at this event and know each others game well. Beatriz Haddad Maia didn’t play the doubles match against China so it will be interesting to see how she combines with Rafael Matos. I expect the Germans to come out on top in this one.
Prediction: Siegemund/Zverev in 2
Main photo credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
