Australia will take on Germany in the second United Cup semifinal. The hosts managed to eliminate Novak Djokovic’s Serbia, while a strong mixed doubles performance from Laura Siegemund/Alexander Zverev led the latter team to the final four over Greece. Who do you think will make the final?
United Cup Semifinal Predictions
Alex de Minaur vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-head: Zverev 6-1
Alexander Zverev and Alex de Minaur have both given their teams a lot at this United Cup. The Australian’s 2-1 record includes a win over World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, although his opponent was hampered by a wrist injury. Zverev had to fight back from a set down against Lorenzo Sonego and Adrian Mannarino and then took out Stefanos Tsitsipas in straights. It’s a nice start to the season for both and they enjoy the team setting. On paper, Zverev is the better player with a sizeable lead in the head-to-head and de Minaur lacking the weaponry to truly hurt him off the ground.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Ajla Tomljanovic vs Angelique Kerber
Head-to-head: Kerber 3-0
Angelique Kerber is back, but it’s not really with a bang. While she did look competitive in her first two matches, taking just three games off Maria Sakkari was quite brutal and she ended up being benched for the mixed as well. Ajla Tomljanovic is just coming back from a long injury lay-off herself, but at least won that WTA 125 title in November. This United Cup she defeated Natalija Stevanovic, but lost to Jessica Pegula and Katie Boulter. Neither is at her strongest right now and Tomljanovic might not get a better chance to score win against the former World No. 1.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 3
Storm Hunter/Matthew Ebden vs Laura Siegemund/Maximilian Marterer
Head-to-head: First meeting
While this is the nominated line-up, it’s actually almost certain that if the match is tied after the singles, Alexander Zverev will take the court here with either Laura Siegemund or Angelique Kerber. With the latter he went 1-1 in the group stage, but along with Siegemund he managed to clinch the crucial rubber vs Greece in the quarterfinals. In any case, Storm Hunter and Matthew Ebden will be favored here as they’re the best mixed team in the competition, both currently ranked inside the top 4 of their respective doubles rankings.
Prediction: Hunter/Ebden in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
