Davis Cup: No Zverev, no problem

The German Davis Cup team has qualified early for the final round in Malaga in November. After two convincing 3-0 victories against Slovakia and Chile, team manager Michael Kohlmann’s team can no longer be pushed out of one of the top two places in Group C after the USA took a 1-0 lead against Slovakia on Friday.

For the German Tennis Association (DTB) selection, it is now a question of winning the group against the USA on Saturday. “Qualifying for the finals in Malaga again after 2022 is a great success. The way we performed here in Zhuhai and qualified for the final round without losing a match before the last game makes me very proud of the entire team,” said Kohlmann.

The DTB team competed in Zhuhai without its top players Alexander Zverev, Jan-Lennard Struff and Dominik Koepfer – but this did not turn out to be a problem in the end. Maximilian Marterer and Yannick Hanfmann were convincing in their singles matches, and in doubles, US Open finalists Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz played at their best despite a long and late journey.

The organization of the group phase in China had caused criticism at the DTB in advance, especially since the host is not even there. Kohlmann spoke of an “arduous journey” to humid Zhuhai and the associated “huge effort” – but it was worth it.

The final round will take place from 19 to 24 November in Malaga.