The United Cup will unleash its biggest name when Rafael Nadal leads Spain on Day 3. But before the 22-time Grand Slam champion graces the courts in Sydney with his presence, it will be Germany’s Alexander Zverev who takes center stage. We have predictions for that match and Belgium’s tie with Bulgaria in Perth. We also predict the rest of the day’s matches, split between two other articles. One features Rafael Nadal vs Cameron Norrie and the other features Iga Swiatek vs Yulia Putintseva. Who do you think will come out on top?
United Cup Day 3 Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Jiri Lehecka
Head-to-head: first meeting
It doesn’t bode well for the Czech Republic after an opening-day whitewash against the USA. Again, it is imperative that Jiri Lehecka, their top-ranked male player, steps up to the plate to face the top-ranked male opposition player in their second tie. In Zverev, Germany has its influential member in the team. We had our doubts about whether Zverev might recover in time from his freak ankle injury. And judging by his two exhibition showings during the off-season, he looks fit and raring to go. Lehecka has drawn the short straw once more and sadly he is bound to go 0-2 in singles.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Jule Niemeier vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-head: first meeting
Bouzkova had a very disappointing afternoon on Day 1 as she slipped to a straight-sets defeat against Madison Keys. The tireless Czech led in both sets by going up a break, but couldn’t consolidate from a winning position. Things could get even more troublesome when she takes on Jule Niemeier. The 23-year-old Niemeier, much like Keys, loves to hit a big ball, particularly off her forehand wing. Bouzkova needs to avoid getting entangled in baseline exchanges where Niemeier will look to run on around her forehand and unleash. With that said, I still think Bouzkova will excel with her footwork and groundstroke accuracy.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Alison Van Uytvanck vs Isabella Shinikova
Head-to-head: Van Uytvanck 1-0 Shinikova
Shinikova looked set to score Bulgaria’s first point at the United Cup, but was pegged back by Greece’s Despina Papamichail, and was cramping badly towards the end of the match. Team Captain Dimitrov will have a massive decision to make on whether to persist with Shinikova or swap her for Gergana Topalova who is their third-choice female player on the team. But as things stand, Shinikova is instilled to face Van Uytvanck. The flat-hitting Van Uytvanck should be highly-fancied to win this rubber.
Prediction: Van Uytvanck in 2
David Goffin vs Grigor Dimitrov
Head-to-head: Dimitrov 8-2 Goffin
Dimitrov and Tsitsipas produced a classic ding-doing on Day 1 to herald the return of the tennis season. The quality and intensity, especially in the third set were truly exhilarating. Dimitrov will be kicking himself for not getting the job done. Refocusing will be extremely difficult, but he will be motivated to get Bulgaria’s campaign up and running. Goffin might be slightly undercooked. It’s his first match of the season and he might show signs of rust in his game which Dimitrov can fully exploit with his attacking prowess.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
