United Cup: Rybakina Puts Kazakhstan One Step Away from Semifinals; Machac Advances Czechia Toward Quarterfinals
Perth, Jan 1 (NationPress) Elena Rybakina has brought Kazakhstan within one win of the 2025 United Cup semifinals by delivering a dominant 6-3, 6-1 triumph against Germany’s Laura Siegemund during the first match of the knockout rounds.
Having topped Group C, Kazakhstan now holds a remarkable 6-1 record in matches this week, with World No. 6 Rybakina contributing significantly to this tally through her swift 65-minute victory over the 80th-ranked Siegemund at the RAC Arena on New Year’s Day.
Siegemund, recognized for her versatile playing style, stumbled with a poorly executed drop shot, allowing Rybakina to secure the sole break of the first set at 4-2. Seizing the moment, Rybakina closed out the set without encountering a break point.
In the second set, Rybakina quickly established control with an early break to lead 2-1, subsequently saving two break points in the following game to maintain her serve. The 2022 Wimbledon champion kept the momentum going, wrapping up the match while extending her head-to-head record over Siegemund to 6-1.
Germany, the defending champions and Group E winners, must now win in men’s singles to push the tie into a mixed doubles rubber and keep their title defense alive.
Meanwhile, in Sydney, Tomas Machac battled past Hubert Hurkacz, bringing Czechia closer to securing a spot in the United Cup quarterfinals.
Although Hurkacz notched six additional points in the one-hour, 55-minute match, Machac managed to pull through, winning 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to give Czechia a 1-0 advantage against Poland. The winner of this tie will clinch Group B and progress to the quarter-finals.
Karolina Muchova is now set to attempt to conclude the tie against Iga Swiatek in the women’s singles match.
