(BSS/AFP) - Germany`s world number two Alexander Zverev pulled out of the United Cup on Wednesday with a bicep strain barely a week away from the Australian Open.

The 27-year-old won his opening two games of the season against Brazil`s Thiago Monteiro and China`s Zheng Zhizhen.

He was due to face Alexander Shevchenko in Perth but withdrew at the last moment with Kazakhstan 1-0 ahead in the quarter-finals against defending
champions Germany after Elena Rybakina blitzed past Laura Siegemund 6-3, 6-1.

"Alexander Zverev has withdrawn from the United Cup due to a bicep strain,"
organisers said.

"Daniel Masur will take his place for Team Germany in today`s singles match
against Kazakhstan."

Masur, ranked 254, has a huge task ahead with Shevchenko in form and
upsetting Stefanos Tsitsipas in group play on Monday.

Zverev headed into the new season with renewed vigour after ending 2024 as
world number two, winning more matches than anyone bar Jannik Sinner.

The Australian Open starts on January 12.