three when he twisted his ankle tearing three ligaments in the following semifinal match in Paris while trailing Nadal 6-7, 6-6.

The 25 year old six feet six inches tall powerful baseliner Zverev was forced to retire from the match and has not competed at a professional level since.

In June, Zverev underwent ankle surgery and reached a career high singles ranking of two.

Nadal this season powered to tournament victories at the Australian Open and Roland Garros before struggling in the year's closing tournaments; losing four of his last five matches.

Today Zverev meets the 21 year old 81st ranked Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic. The two players have never played each other before.

The 36 year old Nadal meets the 27 year old 14th ranked Cameron Norrie.

Nadal is 4-0 lifetime versus Norrie after winning their last match in the final of Acapulco earlier this year 6-4, 6-4.

The United Cup 18 team competition takes place December 29th - January 9th in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, Australia and pits players of one country against players of a second country.

In the tie format, two men's and two women's singles matches are followed by a mixed doubles match.

Three group winners as well as the best loser group will advance to the final four stage in Sydney.

$15 million in prize money will be awarded as well as a maximum 500 ranking points for the winners.

Zverev reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2020 before losing to the fifth seeded Dominic Thiem of Austria in four sets in his best Melbourne result.

The Australian Open is to be played in Melbourne January 15th - 29th.