PERTH, Australia, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Zheng Qinwen upset Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova at the United Cup on Saturday as China impressively beat the Czech Republic, while world No.1 Iga Swiatek started her season in style to lead Poland past Brazil.
China made a statement with a spectacular debut in the mixed teams tournament with a clean sweep in Perth.
No.15 ranked Zheng clinched the Group E tie for China by defeating No.7 Vondrousova 6-1, 2-6, 6-1 in a captivating performance in the women's singles.
In a match filled with wild swings of momentum, the 21-year-old Zheng continued to cement her status as a rising star on the women's circuit after prevailing in one hour and 48 minutes.
"It was just a normal match for me," Zheng said. "It doesn't matter who I face. I'm happy with the win and excited for my team."
No.58 ranked Zhang had earlier produced China's first match win at the event with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory over the higher-ranked Jiri Lehecka in two hours and 20 minutes.
Supported by a group of vocal Chinese fans at RAC Arena, Zhang started the new season strongly to continue his momentum from a breakout campaign in 2023.
Zhang and Zheng completed China's flawless performance by taking out the mixed doubles over Lehecka and Vondrousova 6-1, 6-2 in 58 minutes.
In the later tie in Perth, Swiatek sent an ominous warning to her rivals with a 6-2, 6-2 masterclass over Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia in 76 minutes.
Swiatek, a four-time Grand Slam champion, completely dominated and broke the serve of world No.11 Haddad Mai five times.
"I feel like I gained a lot of confidence...worked hard in the pre-season," Swiatek said. "I feel like I could play freely, felt really focused and I'm happy that I played really well."
World No.9 Hubert Hurkacz sealed the Group A tie for Poland with a 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-3 victory over Thiago Seyboth Wild.
Competition also started in Sydney on day two with the Netherlands beating Norway 2-1.
Norway's Casper Ruud, who reached No.2 in 2022, brushed aside Tallon Griekspoor with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 victory in 72 minutes.
"I'm ready for the new season. I'm motivated, I have a lot of energy in my legs," Ruud said.
No.11 ranked Rudd leveled the tie for Norway after Arantxa Rus fell to Malene Helgo 7-6 (4), 6-1 in the women's singles.
The Dutch emerged victorious in their maiden United Cup tie after Demi Schuurs and Wesley Koolhof beat Ruud and Ulrikke Eikeri 7-6 (5), 7-5 in the mixed doubles.
Germany came from behind to beat Italy 2-1 in the later tie.
Jasmine Paolini gave Italy the lead after overcoming cramps to beat former world No.1 Angelique Kerber 6-4, 7-5. Paolini forfeited two games in order to receive medical treatment in the second set, but she recovered to spoil the comeback of Kerber, who made her return from maternity leave.
No.7 ranked Alexander Zverev leveled the tie with a tough 6-7 (5) 6-3, 6-4 win over Lorenzo Sonego in a tense match lasting two hours and 52 minutes.
An indefatigable Zverev then combined with Kerber to down Sonego and Angelica Moratelli 6-3, 6-0.
Day three action on Sunday will see China face a formidable challenge when they play a Novak Djokovic-led Serbia, while the United States gets its title defense underway against Britain.
Canada meets Chile in the only tie played in Sydney. ■
