China preparing for clashes with Brazil and Germany at United Cup

China will face Brazil in the team's first contest at the United Cup in Perth, Australia, on Friday, with men's singles ace Zhang Zhizhen looking forward to giving his best at the tournament.

Zhang, who currently ranks 45th in the world, posted on social media on Monday that he had arrived in Perth. He will face Thiago Monteiro of Brazil in men's singles on Friday, and Alexander Zverev of Germany next Monday.

Gao Xinyu will compete for China in the women's singles matches and, if necessary, join forces with Zhang in mixed doubles. She was added to the team's roster to replace Zheng Qinwen, who decided to withdraw from the tournament to focus on the upcoming Australian Open.

A total of 18 teams will compete in six groups in Sydney and Perth in the United Cup. The six group leaders and two best-performing runners-up will then advance to the elimination phase.

Germany defeated Poland 2-1 to win the title last January.