Alexander Zverev set to skip Christmas to travel to Australia as United Cup takes precedence

Although several tennis players will be enjoying a well-deserved break during the Christmas holidays, Alexander Zverev has no such luck as the German is scheduled to compete at the United Cup in Sydney, Australia at the end of the month.

The United Cup is a mixed-gender team event that sees several countries compete and defend national pride ahead of the Australian Open. Zverev will be representing Germany at the event, which is scheduled to begin on December 29, 2023. The event will also feature the return of German WTA star Angelique Kerber, who has been out of action after giving birth to her first child.

The former World No.2 revealed during his recent fundraising gala that he will be leaving for Australia on December 24th. Zverev aims to arrive a few days early, in order to get used to the time change. Team Germany kicks off their United Cup campaign against Italy on December 30, before tacking France on January 1, 2024.

Following the United Cup, Zverev is scheduled to compete at the Australian Open in Melbourne. The German star lost in the second round of the 2023 edition to American Michael Mmoh, and will hope to at least replicate his 2020 performance, where he reached the semifinals.