“A great female player in Eva this time”: Alexander Zverev confident in partner Lys to reclaim United Cup crown
Tennis News
Team Germany aims to replicate its 2024 success at the upcoming United Cup, led by Alexander Zverev, who will join one of the WTA’s breakout stars of 2025: 23-year-old Eva Lys, currently world No. 40 and Germany’s No. 1.
A year ago, Germany’s top-ranked female player was Laura Siegemund, who barely managed to stay inside the top 80, with her more notable performances coming in doubles. The Europeans advanced from the group stage, winning tiebreak matches against Brazil and China—highlighted by Zverev’s singles victories over Thiago Monteiro and Zhang Zhizhen.
However, an injury forced Zverev to withdraw before the quarterfinals, and Germany was eliminated by Kazakhstan, with wins from Elena Rybakina over Siegemund and Alexander Shevchenko against Daniel Masur.
This time, the team may depend less heavily on Zverev—currently world No. 3—thanks to having a top-40 singles player in Eva Lys, who recently claimed her first top-10 victory against Rybakina at the China Open, reaching the quarterfinals, her best performance in a WTA 1000 event so far.
"I'm a big fan of team events, so I'm really happy Team Germany is all together here," Lys said during the German team’s press conference. "I feel like we don't have many times [when] ATP and also WTA can stick together, so I'm excited."
Lys steps up as Germany’s No. 1 singles player
The major change for Germany this year is Eva Lys serving as the team’s No. 1 singles player. At the start of 2023, she was largely outside the media spotlight and ranked just No. 130. The absence of former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber - German leader during last decade - affected their performance in the last edition, which they won in 2024, defeating Poland in the final.
"Slightly different team than two years ago when we won it. But Laura is here, I'm here. We had good success in the mixed always in the past," the world No. 3 Zverev said. "We have a great female player in Eva this time, so it's nice to have this big of support and hopefully we can go on and have the same success as two years ago."
This year, the team looks even stronger, with Zverev again as the highest-ranked male player in the tournament. He is seen as the clear favorite against opponents like Tallon Griekspoor and Hubert Hurkacz—both coming in with limited match rhythm from 2024, particularly Hurkacz, who will play his first event since the Libema Open in June.
Germany will debut this Sunday, January 4, against the Netherlands, marking Eva Lys’s first official match in the competition. She will face world No. 87 Suzan Lamens. Following the singles matches between Zverev and Griekspoor, the mixed doubles will feature former top-10 doubles players Laura Siegemund (No. 24) and Tim Pütz (No. 11).
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
