MISSING a couple of talents from making the group really interesting, reigning champions Germany looms as the obvious choice to advance through in Group E of the 2025 United Cup. Both Brazil and China have quality prospects, but no Next Gen ATP Finals winner in Brazilian Joao Fonseca or Chinese Olympic gold medallist Qinwen Zheng makes it tough for those nations.

GROUP E – PERTH

CHINA:

Zhizhen Zhang
Gao Xinyu
Yan Bai (Backup singles)
Fajing Sun (Doubles)
Shuai Zhang (Doubles)

Unfortunately due to Zheng withdrawing it all but dashes any hopes China had of advancing through the group. All is left on the shoulders of Top 50 player Zhang in the men’s singles, and he will struggle against Zverev. With just the one specialist doubles player as well, it is tough to see China making many inroads at the tournament, requiring big upsets instead.

Prediction: Third in group

GERMANY:

Alexander Zverev
Laura Siegemund
Daniel Masur (Backup singles)
Lena Papadakis (Backup singles)
Tim Puetz (Doubles)
Vivian Heisen (Doubles)

Reigning champions Germany should navigate through the group with the only threat being Brazil which will likely come down to the doubles. Despite having a specialist doubles player available in Puetz, quite often Zverev opts to do both which can go either way. Expect him to cruise to a couple of victories and then step into the doubles against Brazil, though that is the danger match for the Germans. Still, if they somehow lost to Brazil, expect Germany to gain a wildcard.

Prediction: Win group

BRAZIL:

Thiago Monteiro
Beatriz Haddad Maia
Gustavo Heide (Backup singles)
Carolina Alves (Backup singles)
Rafael Matos (Doubles)
Luisa Stefani (Doubles)

Brazil might not have Fonseca – who in fairness is lower ranked than Monteiro but in ripping form – but Haddad Maia leading the women’s singles in a weak group should guarantee the South American nation a chance to head to the doubles. With two specialist doubles players also in the side, Brazil is a sneaky chance to upset the apple cart. Though unlikely to go deep in the tournament compared to the very best teams, surviving the group stage is not out of the question for the nation.

Prediction: Second in group / chance for wildcard