Daniel masur

United Cup: Kazakhstan secured a spot in the United Cup semifinals as it knocked out the defending champions Germany with a 2-0 unassailable lead in the quarterfinal tie on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Alexander Shevchenko rallied to defeat Daniel Masur 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-2 in a physical battle in Perth, moving Kazakhstan to an unassailable 2-0 lead in the quarterfinal tie after Elena Rybakina's commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over Laura Siegemund in the first match of the tournament’s knockout stages.

Masur had come in to replace World No. 2 Alexander Zverev, who withdrew due to a bicep strain but was unable to forge a memorable upset to keep Germany alive.