PERTH – World No. 2 Alexander Zverev pulled out of the United Cup on Jan 1 with a bicep strain, in what is a concern for the German star 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.

Men’s world no.2 Alexander Zverev’s Open preparations have suffered a blow, with the German forced to withdraw from Germany’s United Cup quarter-final against Kazakhstan at RAC Arena.

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.

In Sydney, Italy also moved into the quarterfinals Tuesday with a 3-0 win over France at Ken Rosewall Arena. Flavio Cobolli claimed a 6-3, 6-7 (8), 6-2 upset singles win over France’s Ugo Humbert. Jasmine Paolini beat Chloe Paquet 6-0, 6-2 to give Italy its winning margin before also winning the mixed doubles.

Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan hits a return during the men singles match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in

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.

World No.2 Alexander Zverev won't play in Germany's quarter-final clash with Kazakhstan at the United Cup due to a biceps injury.