United Cup: Rybakina, Shevchenko Leading Kazakhstan On A Major Stage Down Under

Team Kazakhstan, United Cup
Team Kazakhstan: Alexander Shevchenko, Zhibek Kulambayeva, Elena Rybakina, Aleksandr Nedovyesov and Dmitry Popko (photo: Tennis Australia/Stefan Gosatti)

PERTH/SYDNEY/WASHINGTON, January 2, 2025 (by Michael Dickens)

As the third edition of the United Cup reaches the last four this weekend in Sydney, one of the surprises of this ATP/WTA mixed-team event has been Team Kazakhstan.

The ninth-seeded team, which features World No. 6 Elena Rybakina, isn’t the flashiest on the court in terms of its apparel or one filled full of marquee names like the United States or Poland – think Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz; think Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz. And, let’s face it, the team’s past history in the United Cup isn’t very notable.  They went 0-2 in group play in 2023 in their only other appearance.

However, with Rybakina having won all three of her women’s singles matches and with upstart 78th-ranked Alexander Shevchenko holding his own with two straight wins, the Central Asian country and former Soviet republic has strung together three consecutive tie victories in Perth – 2-1 against Spain and 3-0 over Greece to win Group C, and a 3-0 shutout Wednesday against Germany in the quarterfinal knockout round – to advance to Saturday’s semifinal round. Kazakhstan will face the winner of Thursday’s quarterfinal between Group B winner Poland (2-0) and Group F winner Great Britain (1-1).

The United States, led by Gauff and Fritz, also advanced to the Sydney semifinals and will be opposed by the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Group D winner Italy (2-0) and Czechia (1-1), which advanced as the best second-place team in Sydney.

After Kazakhstan eliminated Germany 2-1 on New Year’s Day afternoon, taking advantage of the absence of World No. 2 Alexander Zverev from the German lineup due to an injured biceps, team captain Aleksandr Nedovyesov was asked during Kazakhstan’s post-match news conference why he thought his team had done so well in Perth and what qualities would he like to take to Sydney.

“I will take the team atmosphere,” Nedovyesov said. “I think we are [a] reallly strong team supporting which ever players are on the court. And I think this support is really important for the one who is representing the team on court. So, this is No. 1. This is the most important thing.

“Looking back at all three matches, it was not easy to play. We had some challenges on the courts, but I’m proud of every single team member of our team, how they did fight on the court and how they were able to manage to find a win to win the matches.”

Besides Rybakina (3-0) and Shevchenko (2-1), both who have seen action in singles and mixed doubles, Zhibek Kulambayeva and Dimitri Popko – even Nedovyesov – have chipped in to play mixed doubles. So, everyone has contributed to Kazakhstan’s success.

Kazakhstan upsets defending champion Germany

On Wednesday against Germany, Rybakina put Kazakhstan ahead 1-0 after dominating 80th-ranked Laura Siegemund, 6-3, 6-1, in just 65 minutes. Then, it was up to Shevchenko to try to put his team over the top and into the semifinals. However, instead of facing Zverev, he would be playing substitute Daniel Masur, ranked 254th.

The 24-year-old Shevchenko rallied to defeat Masur 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-2, in what turned out to be a physical battle on the RAC Arena center court with the roof open despite the summer heat.

“It was a struggle in this heat, he made me run a lot, he was more aggressive,” Shevchenko said during his on-court interview. “That’s why I got tired, my head was spinning.

“I’m really proud that I found this win for our team, because I was fighting hard. I saw the faces of my team, and they didn’t want to go to a decider. I was also a little bit nervous, because I knew if I won, the tie was over.”

Nedovyesov added: “Sasha obviously today – I mean our Sasha, not saying Zverev – our Sasha did an amazing job coming back. He was struggling a little bit with the late change in the lineup, but like I said, I’m going to repeat myself, I was proud the way he was able to find a way to win the match.”

Shevchenko struck 11 aces, won 74 percent of his first-serve points, saved four of five break points, broke Masur’s serve five times and outpointed the German 103-85.

Shevchenko: “Elena is always bringing the point no matter what …”

During Kazakhstan’s post-match news conference, Shevchenko was asked how it felt to be advancing to the semifinals in Sydney. “It feels amazing. If you would have asked me that we would be in the semis, I would probably doubt it. But, I mean, Elena is winning.”

Nedovyesov interrupted his young charge and asked “Why would you doubt it?”

Shevchenko replied: “I doubt it because of me.” His comment drew laughter. “Just because of me. I mean, Elena is always bringing the point no matter what, and I have more confidence in her than in myself, to be honest.” Shevchenko smiled as he answered his team captain’s question.

“But yeah, I think I also did a great job, you know. Just winning the matches, because pressure is on me because I always know that Elena is going to make the point, and I look at her and I said [expletive] I need to make that one point as well.”

According to Rybakina, “All the guys are pretty funny and it’s nice to play a team competition. It’s so rare that we get a chance to do that. I’m so happy to be here … I really like everything.”

“Yeah, it’s just great,” Shevchenko added. “We are going to Sydney. Let’s not stop on that, and maybe we can make a final. Maybe, we’re gonna win the whole thing, and it’s just going to be great.”

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