United Cup Highlights: Alexander Zverev suffers crashing defeat against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka in United Cup

United Cup Highlights: Playing his first match on the tour since returning from the ankle injury, Alexander Zverev suffered a 6-4, 6-2 defeat against Jiri Lehecka in his first match at the United Cup 2023. With Zverev’s loss Czech Republic took a 1-0 lead against Germany in their group encounter that was played at Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena on Saturday 31st December 2023. Follow United Cup 2023 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN

United Cup Highlights: Alexander Zverev suffers crashing defeat against Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka in United Cup – Watch Zverev vs Lehecka Highlights

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Standing their ground 😤

Team Czech Republic take a 1-0 lead as Lehecka defeats Zverev, 6-4, 6-2!#UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/X8DbGUF1Gi

— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) December 31, 2022

It was Zverev’s first competitive match since tearing three right ankle ligaments during his Roland Garros semi-final against Rafael Nadal, when he left court in a wheelchair. A planned return at the Davis Cup in September came up short when Zverev pulled out after experiencing “extreme pain”.

The Olympic champion, who has dropped to 12 in the world from a career-high two before his injury, was clearly still struggling against Lehecka. He fended off break points at 2-3 in the first set but a double fault at 4-5 handed the Czech set point and he grabbed the opportunity, converting with a lob.

The German worked two break points in the first game of the second set, but blew the chance with some wayward shots. With his serve not firing, he was broken to go 3-1 behind and despite breaking straight back couldn’t sustain the pressure with another double fault, helping Lehecka go 2-4 in front and there was no way back.

United Cup Highlights: Alexander Zverev suffers crashing defeat against Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka in United Cup – Watch Zverev vs Lehecka Highlights

“I knew before the match that he didn’t play for a while but with a player like this, it can of course mean nothing,” said Lehecka, 21, after one of his biggest wins. “I was able to show up in crucial moments. All the experience from last year, losing to good players, gave me the confidence to play against a player like him.”

The Czechs lost their opening tie in the tournament — a new 18-country mixed-teams event being held in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney — to the United States 4-1. Germany were making their first appearance.

Spain’s 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal and Polish women’s world number one Iga Swiatek play later. World number two Nadal opens Saturday’s second session in Sydney against Britain’s Cameron Norrie, ranked 14. They have played four times before, with Norrie yet to win.

Swiatek, who has led the rankings for 39 weeks, faces Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena, having won their only previous meeting in straight sets.