United Cup: Kazakhstan first to qualify for semi-finals, Germany lose their crown

With the New Year just celebrated in Australia, it's time for the first United Cup quarter-finals.

In their first appearance in the competition, Kazakhstan put in a faultless performance in the group stage, overcoming Spain and then Greece.

Germany, for their part, dominated Brazil and China, and can still dream of a double after being crowned champions last year.

Elena Rybakina opened the match with an easy win over Laura Siegemund (6-3, 6-1 in 1h05 of play).

It was the world No. 6's third victory in as many matches since the start of the season.

The Mannschaft then suffered a setback when Alexander Zverev, who had played in both group matches, was forced to withdraw with a biceps injury.

Daniel Masur took on Alexander Shevchenko, but logic prevailed and it was the Kazakh who prevailed (6-7, 6-2, 6-2) to send Kazakhstan into the last four.

Germany, crowned champions in 2024, exits the competition at the quarter-final stage.

A second quarter-final takes place this Wednesday, January 1, between China and the United States.