Rio de Janeiro – Actually, the German men’s tennis team had expected to take the lead in their first-round match in Brazil after the first day.
But because Jan-Lennard Struff made a mistake in the second singles against Brazilian number one Thiago Monteiro, Alexander Zverev’s commanding opening win over Thiago Seyboth Wild was only enough for a 1-1 draw in the end. On Saturday, starting at 6 p.m. (Sportdeutschland.tv), it will be the doubles that count most.
The German doubles team has been a guarantor of points lately. At the Davis Cup finals last year, the duo came up trumps in a big way. But the task in Rio will be difficult as the hosts also have a world-class doubles player in Bruno Soares. “The doubles can be very decisive again,” team manager Michael Kohlmann had said before the match.
Alexander Zverev:
The German number one did not show any weakness. However, Zverev was hardly challenged by Seyboth Wild. That should be different against Monteiro. The Brazilian number one is only ranked 14 in the world, but showed against Struff that he can rise above himself with the fans behind him. Nevertheless, Zverev is of course the clear favourite.
Jan-Lennard Struff:
The shaky candidate in the German team. Struff just can’t get going this year. Although he had also lost a lot on the ATP Tour recently, Kohlmann put his trust in him. But the 31-year-old from Warstein was only able to deliver his performance for one set. A win against Seyboth Wild is a must. Unless Kohlmann relies on debutant Oscar Otte on Saturday.
