United Cup: Siegemund-Gao Xinyu refereeing error?

The United Cup match between Germany and China is decisive. The winner will officially qualify for the quarter-finals.

After Alexander Zverev's victory over Zhang Zhizhen (2-6, 6-0, 6-2), it's time for Laura Siegemund and Gao Xinyu to meet.

The German is the favorite, but watch out for the Chinese, who beat Beatriz Haddad Maia in their clash with Brazil a few days ago.

At the start of the second set, after Gao Xinyu had won the first 6-1, Siegemund was awarded a controversial point.

After an excellent deep return, the 36-year-old went to the net to close out the point, but the Chinese player managed to lift the ball.

The ball grazed Siegemund's racket before going out of bounds.

The point was given to the German, but if you watch in slow motion, Laura Siegemund seems to touch the ball lightly with her racket.

With the score 40-30 in Gao's favor on her serve, the referee then announced a tie.

After a moment's hesitation and incomprehension on the part of the Chinese, play continued and the German took her opponent's serve in her stride, breaking 3 games to 0 before winning the second set.

In the end, Gao Xinyu had the last word (6-1, 3-6, 6-3). Qualification for the quarter-finals will come down to the decisive mixed doubles match.