Davis Cup: Alexander Zverev beats Seyboth Wild and puts Germany ahead of Brazil

Last year, the German team advanced to the semifinals without Zverev. If the team around captain Michael Kohlmann prevails in Brazil, it will be guaranteed participation in the group stage of the top 16 teams in September. The final round will take place at the end of November, the venues are not yet known.

After his disqualification in Acapulco, the result of a wild attack on the referee’s chair, Zverev decided at short notice to make his first appearance in the Davis Cup team since 2019.

In recent years, the 24-year-old top player has repeatedly criticized the reformed competition and went on the offensive. Now, after a less than happy start to the season, the appearance in Rio came at just the right time.

Zverev makes a dream start against Wild

Zverev went into the match as the clear favorite against Seyboth Wild, number 216 in the world. “I’ve never played against him. But we’ve trained together several times,” said Zverev before the duel: “He’s a very good player with a lot of talent.”

He took the first serve from his opponent, didn’t play at the limit, but always had the game under control. With an ace, he converted his first set ball after 51 minutes.

After an early break in the second set, Zverev led 3-2 when Seyboth Wild took a medical break. The 21-year-old had his right forearm treated for a few minutes, then continued to play, but had no chance against the third in the world rankings. After 1:34 hours, Zverev used the first match point to take a 1-0 lead.

(SID)