United Cup
Gao and Zhang lead Chinese victory in Perth
The Asians provisionally lead Group E
December 27, 2024
TENNIS AUSTRALIA
By ATP Editorial Board
China barely needed a tie to show its potential. The Asian team made its debut this Friday in the mixed team competition at full speed, resolving the series against Brazil 2-0 at the RAC Arena in Perth to position itself as provisional leader of Group E. In a tournament with little margin for error in the phase of round robinthe Chinese talent ensured a very firm first step on Australian soil.
The intentions of the Asians were clear in the duel that opened the day. Xinyu Gao completed one of the most monumental efforts of the tournament, defeating the experienced Beatriz Haddad Maia 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 in three hours and 20 minutes of play. The Chinese, No. 175 in the WTA Rankings, surpassed a Top 20 world player for the first time in her career.
It was the longest women’s match in United Cup history, a milestone that surprised the Chinese player herself. “I have no idea what’s happening right now,” Gao said during his on-track interview. “My brain was empty and my whole body was suffering with cramps.”
With the ground settled, Zhang Zhizhen took advantage of the opportunity to end the series thanks to an impeccable match. The No. 45 in the PIF ATP Rankings barely needed 56 minutes to beat Thiago Monteiro 6-3, 6-0, securing the last seven games of the match to send a message of authority from Perth.
“I can understand how much pressure [Gao] has endured,” Zhang said. “I felt a lot of pressure in that same situation last year. I won a very tough match in three sets, and Qinwen had a very high ranking. “We achieved it thanks to the team, they did a great job.”
China’s victory on the first day opens the door to another great performance in the United Cup. Last season the Asian four made their way to the quarterfinals. This time, with the presence of the current champion Germany in their group, the victory against Brazil could be key to thinking about a future beyond the round robin.
Source: https://www.atptour.com/es/news/united-cup-2025-china-brasil-viernes
