The 2025 season begins with a flourish in Perth on Friday, when World No. 6 Elena Rybakina headlines action at the United Cup.
The 25-year-old, who is making her debut at the 18-country mixed-teams event, will lead Kazakhstan into battle against Spain on Friday in Group C. Rybakina faces Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the second singles match inside RAC Arena, with both players eager to provide a pivotal win for their countries.
“It's really fun to be in the team,” said Rybakina, an eight-time tour-level champion. “For me it's my first time playing in the United Cup. I'm looking forward to it. We have a good team, hopefully we can win.”
Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 #UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/mbd8IQE85e
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) December 19, 2024
Alexander Shevchenko will kickstart Friday's action against former World No. 10 Pablo Carreño Busta, looking to avenge the defeat he suffered to the Spaniard in the second round in Winston-Salem in August. Carreño Busta, who last year spent 11 months on the sidelines through injury, is relishing the opportunity of leading Spain as its No. 1 singles player in Perth.
“I am physically 100% again after a long injury,” said the 33-year-old. “The United Cup gives me the opportunity to play two matches, maybe more, and it’s important to play them at [my best] and enjoy the moment. Of course, I am going to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Rybakina and Shevchenko will then join forces in a mixed doubles rubber against Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers and Sergio Martos Gornes to complete their tie with Spain. In Friday's second session, Group E action gets off the mark with China facing Brazil.
After making its debut in 2024, which preceded a historic year for the nation, China is back with intent. Zhizhen Zhang, who became the first Chinese male to claim a tennis medal at the Olympics, battles Thiago Monteiro in the men's singles.
"[The United Cup] is a great way to start the year," said Zhang. "You need to have these matches to get in the rhythm. You really want to win the match, and your teammates supporting."
China was dealt a blow when Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng withdrew from the event, but Xinyu Gao is ready to rise to the occasion in place of the World No. 5. Yet the 27-year-old will have her work cut out against Beatriz Haddad Maia, who is 3-1 at the event.
ORDER OF PLAY - FRIDAY, 27 DECEMBER 2025
Kazakhstan [9] vs. Spain [14]
Perth - Group C
RAC Arena - Starts 10 a.m.
Alexander Shevchenko vs. Pablo Carreño Busta
Elena Rybakina vs. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Elena Rybakina/Alexander Shevchenko vs. Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers/ Sergio Martos Gornes (subject to change)
China [5] vs. Brazil [13]
Perth - Group E
RAC Arena - Not before 5 p.m.
Xinyu Gao vs. Beatriz Haddad Maia
Zhizhen Zhang vs. Thiago Monteiro
Shuai Zhang/Zhizhen Zhang vs. Beatriz Haddad Maia/Rafael Matos (subject to change)
