Germany and Italy, both realistic title contenders at the United Cup, will kick off their campaigns on Sunday. Alexander Zverev and Germany are facing the Netherlands, while Italy is going up against Switzerland.
Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. Tallon Griekspoor (NED)
It’s only fitting that Zverev and Griekspoor will square off in their first match of the year on Sunday at the United Cup. These two familiar foes faced each other four times this past season and have met a ridiculous eight times dating back to 2024. Zverev leads the overall head-to-head series 8-2, although many of their matches have been absolute thrillers and Griekspoor at least managed to score a recent win at the 2025 Indian Wells Masters (in a final-set tiebreaker).
This is Zverev’s fourth appearance at the United Cup. The third-ranked German is 6-1 in his last seven singles matches at this event, with a loss only to Alex de Minaur in the 2024 semifinals. Zverev ended up beating Hurkacz in the final, as the Germans lifted the trophy. Griekspoor started last year in impressive form, but his second half was mostly a disaster. From Wimbledon through the end of the season, the 26th-ranked Dutchman lost his opening match at a hard-to-believe nine tournaments. A much more confident Zverev should have the upper hand in Sydney.
Pick: Zverev in 2
Flavio Cobolli (ITA) vs. Stan Wawrinka (SUI)
The United Cup marks the beginning of the end for Wawrinka, who recently announced his upcoming retirement from tennis. This is Wawrinka’s final season on tour, and he can only hope that it is at least somewhat more successful than his penultimate effort. The 40-year-old Swiss won only four ATP-level matches in 2025 and finds himself down at 157th in the rankings.
Following a matchup with France’s Arthur Rinderknech on Saturday, Wawrinka will run into Cobolli on no rest. Is it a tough matchup for the veteran, as Cobolli wrapped up his 2025 campaign in outstanding form. In Jannik Sinner’s absence, the 23-year-old helped lead Italy to a third consecutive Davis Cup title while compiling a perfect 3-0 record in the finals. Cobolli should be in line for more success playing for his country in this mixed event in Perth.
Pick: Cobolli in 2
WWW?
Gpoor always a tough out….Zv in 3; and Cobolli in 3