Zverev, Thiem, Pavlyuchenkova and Rybakina lead Hawks to capture first edition of the World Tennis League

Wimbledon champion Rybkina beats world No 1 Swiatek to help Team Hawks to victory

Team Hawks win the United Cup Image Credit: Kamran Jebreili/AP/SIPA

December 24, 2022

After a big win by Elena Rybakina earlier in the day, it was Dominic Thiem and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova who clinched the decisive mixed doubles title to give the Hawks the first edition of the World Tennis League.

Thiem and Pavlycuhenkova defeated the pairing of Holger Rune and Sania Mirza (7-6, 6-3). In the first set, there were two breaks on for each team with Thiem/ Pavlyuchenkova taking the lead on both occasions only to surrender the break later,

After clinching the tiebreak 7 points to 4, the Hawks had an easier time in the second, breaking their opponents early on, to win the match straight sets, and with it the title.

WTL 2022 champions. pic.twitter.com/xUWDtZIfBQ
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) December 24, 2022

Earlier in the day, Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina scored a thumping 6-3, 6-1 win over the undisputed world No 1 in women’s tennis – Iga Swiatek to give the Kites the early advantage.

In the second singles, Felix Auger-Aliassime scored a straight sets win over Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-3. Both players went toe-to-toe until the ninth game when the Canadian broke first and held on to win the set 6-4. In the second set, the world No 6 broke twice including the final game to complete the win and bring the Kites back into the title race,

In the mixed doubles, Thiem/ Pavlyuchenkova defeated Rune/ Mirza in straight sets to complete the win 37-25

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