August 30, 2023. Flushing, New York, USA. Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil hits a shot against Taylor Townsend of the United States on day three of the 2023 US Open Tennis Tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Required Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
A new tennis season has arrived. The United His Cup is a team event that brings together talent from both the ATP and WTA tours. Last season’s inaugural edition produced some very high quality tennis, and this year is likely to be no different. Brazil and Spain will open the event, with WTA Elite Trophy winner Beatriz Haddad Maia also among the participants. Which team do you think will win?
United Cup Day 1 Predictions
Alejandro Davidovic Fokina vs Thiago Sabos Wilde
Matchup: Sabos Wild 1-0 Davidovic Fokina
Both players will be looking for more consistency this season. Although Davidovich Fokina achieved great results in the Toronto tournament, reaching the semi-finals, he often suffered surprising defeats to players of a lower rank than him. Seybos Wilde had an impressive victory over Daniil Medvedev in the first round of the French Open, but the 2023 season was otherwise unremarkable.
The levels of both these players can vary widely. However, it is certain that Davidovich Fokina is naturally more comfortable on hard courts than his Brazilian opponent. I hope he can show his firepower more consistently and lead Spain 1-0.
Davidovich Fokina “2”
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Sara Sorribes Tormo vs Beatriz Haddad Maia
Matchup: Adado Maia 3-2 Sorribes Tormo
It is expected that there will be many long rallies this time. These two women are two of the greatest fighters on the WTA Tour. That means there is a possibility of a close battle. But Haddad Maia proved in her impressive run to the WTA Elite Trophy title that she can also be aggressive. The Brazilian has that extra gear that Sorribes Tormo can’t find.
Sorribes Tormo won a title with Cleveland last season, but he shouldn’t be taken lightly. But overall, the conditions in Perth could help a player become a little more skilled at punching through the court, and that player is Addad Maia.
Hadad Maia (3)
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Sara Sorribes Tormo/Alejandro Davidovic Fokina vs Beatriz Haddad Maia/Marcelo Melo
Head-to-head: First meeting
If the previous two predictions are correct, a tie will be decided in this doubles match. Sorribes Tormo has a solid track record in doubles, reaching at least the quarterfinals of every Grand Slam doubles tournament.
However, the Brazilian is quite the doubles favorite. Haddad Maia won the WTA Elite Trophy in doubles and singles with Veronika Kudermetova, while Melo is a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion. Furthermore, Davidovich Fokina has hardly played any doubles matches during his career. The Spaniards will need to pull off a major upset to emerge victorious.
Adad Maia/Melo in 2
Main photo credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports