At the United Cup held in Sydney, Germany came back from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Italy in Group D.
Jasmine Paolini gave Italy a 1-0 lead over Germany at the United Cup in Sydney, overcoming a bout of cramps to beat Angelique Kerber in the former world number one’s first match back from maternity leave. defeated 6-4, 7-5.Kerber returns to pairing with Alexander Zverev and wins decisive mixed doubles
It was my first match in 18 months and it was really special and really intense,” Kerber said. I think she’s already been able to play at a very high level against her, but of course I think she’s still lacking in some areas, but that’s why I’m here and I’m looking forward to playing more matches. That’s why I’m here.”
Paolini looked strong in his first singles match, going 6-4, 3-1, but was forced to come back from a 3-4 deficit in the second set after withdrawing two games for medical treatment.
Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam champion, gave birth to daughter Liana in February and this was her first appearance since Wimbledon in 2022. However, Paolini, who has improved from 59th place last season to a current career-high 30th place and was nominated for Most Improved Player of 2023, was able to overcome and overcome the German in the riveting process. . 1 hour 48 minutes.
A nail-biting first set saw at least one break point in eight of the 10 games, gradually shifting momentum and remaining on a knife edge until the end. Kerber’s trademark down-the-line forehand worked to take a 3-1 lead, but Paolini reeled in four games in a row to take a 5-3 lead. The Italian was unable to serve out the set-out, but survived an impressive seven-deuce battle with winners on both teams to earn his sixth set point in the next game.
Paolini pushed to regain a break lead in the second set, leading 6-4, 3-2 when he found himself in another marathon game. On her sixth break point of the match, she grabbed her left calf and fell to the ground. Paolini was required to withdraw from her entire match until the next change of ends in order to receive treatment for her, and she returned to the court with a 3-4 record.
However, Kerber took advantage of Paolini’s impediment and quickly broke for 5-3, reaching set point, but the German could no longer display his early intensity. Paolini showed incredible fortitude in the homestretch, relying on the power of his shot-making to put up a string of winners, totaling 35 wins and winning the final four games of the match.
Germany went 1-0 in Group D, while last year’s finalist Italy went 0-1. Germany next play France on Monday, with Kerber facing off against Caroline Garcia. Italy will wait until Wednesday to complete group play with France.