No. 2-ranked Alexander Zverev withdrew from the United Cup mixed teams tennis tournament on Wednesday with a biceps strain less than two weeks from the start of the Australian Open.

Alexander closed games two and four for 3-1 and earned another break chance in game five. Thiago saved it and held to remain in contention. Delivering one good hold after another, Zverev added more service winners to his tally in games six and eight for 5-3.

Zverev then withdrew from his clash against Alexander Shevchenko at the last minute with a bicep strain, leaving the 254th-ranked Daniel Masur to face him. He put up a brave fight but Shevchenko was too strong,