The German Davis Cup team has missed out on reaching the final for the first time in 31 years. The Netherlands are celebrating a historic success.
The German Davis Cup team has missed out on reaching the final for the first time in 31 years. In Malaga, the team of national coach Michael Kohlmann lost 0-2 to the Netherlands – and that without their top player Alexander Zverev. Daniel Altmaier was defeated by Botic van de Zandschulp 4-6, 7-6 (14-12), 3-6 in a thrilling encounter. Jan-Lennard Struff also lost to Tallon Griekspoor in an equally close match 7-6 (7-4), 5-7, 4-6.
Germany’s last final appearance was a long time ago: in 1993, Michael Stich’s team triumphed over Australia to secure their third Davis Cup title. This year, however, the Netherlands prevailed for the first time, having already surprised with a victory over Spain in the quarter-finals, thereby also sealing Rafael Nadal’s retirement. They will face the winner of the Italy-Australia tie in the final.
Without Zverev only just failed
A major factor in the German elimination was the absence of Alexander Zverev. The Tokyo Olympics champion had decided to take a break after an exhausting season and went on vacation after the ATP Finals in Turin. Without him, the German team had to let a historic opportunity slip away.
Jan-Lennard Struff initially put in a solid performance against Griekspoor. In the first set, the experienced player kept his nerve in the tiebreak to take the first set after 38 minutes. But in the second set, he missed two break chances at 4-3 and fell behind himself. In the deciding third set, Struff was unable to catch up after falling behind early on – Griekspoor took advantage of his chances and secured the win.
Historic success for the Netherlands
Daniel Altmaier also put up a spirited fight against favorite Botic van de Zandschulp, who had defeated Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals. After a nervous start, Altmaier settled into the game better in the second set and fended off five match points in a tiebreak before levelling the set. However, a brief period of weakness at the start of the third set allowed the Dutchman to take the lead. Despite his best efforts, Altmaier was unable to stage a comeback and van de Zandschulp held on for the win.
The Netherlands’ progress to the final is a milestone: it is the first time in history that the Oranje team has reached the Davis Cup final. Their opponent will be determined on Saturday in the second semi-final between Italy and Australia.