Semifinals in Malaga
German Davis Cup team misses final
The waiting continues. Germany’s tennis professionals missed the Davis Cup final. The successful double is not even used.
The German Davis Cup team missed its first final in 31 years. Without world number two Alexander Zverev, national coach Michael Kohlmann’s team had to admit defeat to the Netherlands 2-0 in Malaga. After Daniel Altmaier lost in a dramatic game against Botic van de Zandschulp 4:6, 7:6 (14:12), 3:6, Jan-Lennard Struff had to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 7:6 (7: 4), beaten 5:7, 4:6.
The last time Germany reached the final was in 1993. At that time, the selection of the German Tennis Federation, led by Michael Stich, won against Australia and brought the Davis Cup to Germany for the third time.
In Malaga, Germany had to do without Zverev. The Tokyo Olympic champion decided against starting in the Davis Cup after a long season and went on vacation after the ATP Finals in Turin last week. The successful German doubles Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz were no longer used after the two individual defeats.
It is the Netherlands’ first ever participation in the final. In the quarter-finals, the Orange team had surprisingly already won against Spain and thus ended the career of tennis legend Rafael Nadal. In the final on Sunday, the Netherlands will face the winner of the second semi-final between Italy and Australia, who face each other on Saturday (1 p.m.).
dpa
