Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev sweep deciding doubles as Germany defeat Italy at 2024 United Cup

A potential dream team at the Olympic Games had their first outing after a sudden change in line-up at the 2024 United Cup in the mixed doubles decider as Germany defeated Italy 2-1.

Initially Laura Siegemund and Maximillian Marterer were due to face off against Angelica Moratelli and Flavio Cobolli. But instead Angelique Kerber in her first day back on the tour after becoming a mother joined Alexander Zverev in pulling double duty and it proved to be a genius move.

In just over an hour, the pair swept Moratelli and Lorenzo Sonego who was also drafted in instead of Cobolli sealing a 6-3, 6-0 win. They produced when the Italians couldn't in the vital moments and in the second set, it was fairly flawless as they took an early break and broke once more for 5-0 before sealing the deal as Italy had no answer to the prowess of the duo who hadn't teamed in five years.

This after Kerber lost her first match back earlier today in a tight affair against Jasmine Paolini. She sealed it 6-4, 7-5 to put Italy in a commanding position.

But Zverev narrowly defeated Lorenzo Sonego for Germany to put them back on track with a 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 triumph to send it all the way and as a result some late change was required in the line-up. Next they will play France on New Years Day as they aim to step into the latter stages and it was certainly their two leading lights that led from the front in the end.

Italy who are now bottom do not play again until just after New Year where they too will face France after their early defeat.