Alexander Zverev Withdraws from United Cup Due to Biceps Injury Ahead of Australian Open

World No. 2-ranked Alexander Zverev has withdrawn from the United Cup mixed teams tennis tournament due to a biceps strain, just under two weeks before the start of the Australian Open.

The 27-year-old German tennis star had begun his 2025 season on a positive note, winning his opening two singles matches at the United Cup. Zverev defeated Brazil's Thiago Monteiro and China's Zheng Zhizhen in straight sets, showcasing his strong form ahead of the Australian Open. However, his participation in the tournament came to an abrupt halt as he withdrew from his scheduled quarterfinal match against Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko in Perth.

The decision to pull out came after Kazakhstan took a 1-0 lead in the tie, with Elena Rybakina securing a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory over Germany’s Laura Siegemund. Zverev’s withdrawal was confirmed by organizers, who stated, "Alexander Zverev has withdrawn from the United Cup due to a bicep strain," adding that Daniel Masur would replace him for Germany in the singles match against Kazakhstan.

This injury comes at a critical time for Zverev, as the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season, begins on January 12. Zverev has yet to win a Grand Slam singles title but has come close, finishing as a runner-up at both the 2020 U.S. Open and the 2024 French Open. His withdrawal from the United Cup has raised concerns about his fitness heading into the prestigious tournament, though the extent of the biceps strain is yet to be clarified.

Zverev’s absence from the United Cup leaves a gap for Team Germany, and his supporters will now be hoping for a swift recovery as he prepares for his Australian Open campaign. The injury is a setback, but with ample time for recovery before the Grand Slam, Zverev will be eager to return to full fitness and contend for his first major title in Melbourne.