Zverev vs Hurkacz Prediction United Cup 1/5/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Alexander Zverev and Hubert Hurkacz clash in the 2026 United Cup. The match is scheduled for Monday, January 5. Here’s our Alexander Zverev vs Hubert Hurkacz prediction. This preview will also include an Alexander Zverev vs Hubert Hurkacz pick.

Tournament Details

Tournament name: United Cup
Host cities: Perth, Sydney
Date: 2 – 11 January 2026
Field: 18 countries
Total prize money: $11,806,190
Tie: Germany vs Poland

Alexander Zverev vs Hubert Hurkacz Preview

Alexander Zverev kicked off the 2026 United Cup campaign with a straight-sets win over Tallon Griekspoor that secured Germany’s victory against the Netherlands. For most of 2025, Griekspoor proved to be a stubborn opponent for Zverev, but the world No. 3 succeeded in edging out a close first set 7-5 before rounding off victory 6-0 in the second set.

In the victory, Zverev hit 15 aces and landed 75% of first serves in play. Zverev won 89% of first serve points (32/36). He won 50% of second serve points (6/12) and saved two break points he faced. Zverev partnered with Laura Siegemund in mixed doubles and the pair completed a clean 3-0 sweep of the tie.

28-year-old Hubert Hurkacz returns to action after injury. The Pole played just 26 times in 2025, winning 15 and losing 11 matches. In that time, his best results were on clay. He made the quarterfinals of the Rome Masters and reached the final of the Geneva Open, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in three sets.

Hurkacz played his last match of last season on Den Bosch, beating Mark Lajal in the first round of the grass-court event. He shortly withdrew from the tournament and shut down his season after undergoing knee surgery. He spent the second half of last year rehabbing.

Alexander Zverev vs Hubert Hurkacz Head-To-Head

Zverev and Hurkacz have met four times. Zverev leads the head-to-head 3-1. He beat Hurkacz in three sets when they met in the 2024 United Cup final.

Alexander Zverev vs Hubert Hurkacz Prediction

Zverev put his 2025 demons behind him and overcame one of his most stubborn opponents in Griekspoor with ease. Hurkacz hasn’t played since last June, and it’s too quick to expect him to deliver in his first match against the World No. 3. Hurkacz’s lack of match play makes Zverev the obvious pick in the winner’s market.

Nur Said's Pick: Alexander Zverev in three sets