Kerber celebrates first win in tennis comeback from maternity leave

After losing the first match in her comeback from maternity leave, former world number one Angelique Kerber could celebrate her first victory after the 18-month break alongside Olympic champion Alexander Zverev at the United Cup.

The German duo defeated Italy's Angelica Moratelli and Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-0 in Sydney on Saturday to give Germany a 2-1 win.

"It was a special day for me," Kerber said after the doubles match.

Teammate Zverev added: "We're both extremely happy. Angie played unbelievably well in the doubles and also in the singles. To be out for a year and a half, to come back and play at such a high level — that shows what kind of player she is."

Earlier, Kerber had lost 4-6, 5-7 to Jasmine Paolini, while Zverev took his first win of the new tennis season with a 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-4 against Sonego.

Both nations are competing in Group D alongside France.

Kerber, 35, hadn't played since summer 2022 and gave birth to daughter Liana in February.

"I felt comfortable on the court, it was a really intense match. I still need the game rhythm, I have to work on that," Kerber said of ther performance against Paolini.

"I'm happy to have survived it so well. I fought until the last point," she said.

Sonego took the fight to Zverev early, winning 18 of 24 net approaches to edge the German in a first-set tie-break. But Sonego couldn’t overcome Zverev’s dominant serving over the course of the match.

"The first set was one of the best sets I have seen him play, but I just looked for ways to get back into the match," Zverev said. "For the first match of the season I can't complain."

Also Saturday, Iga Świątek and Hubert Hurkacz won their singles matches and combined for a doubles victory in Poland's 3-0 triumph over Brazil. The Netherlands and China also won their opening matches.

The mixed team competition is a preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, which starts on January 14.