ATP Cup: Zverev and Struff bring Germany to the semi-finals
Alexander Zverev and Jan-Lennard Struff have given Germany a place in the semifinals of the ATP Cup 2021. The two defeated Novak Djokovic and Nikola Cacic 7: 6 (5), 5: 7 and 10: 7.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Feb 05, 2021, 07:43 am
Alexander Zverev and Jan-Lennard Struff went into the decisive game for the German team, the Serbs had to bet on Novak Djokovic and Nikola Cacic. After Germany got set one in the tie-break, Cacic / Djokovic equalized 7: 5. The decision had to be a match tie-break. The Serbs started better and quickly led 3-0. Zverev and Struff fought their way back and took the lead for the first time to 5: 4. Djokovic then made a double mistake. The sides were changed at 8: 4 for Germany - Struff scored the 9: 7 with a volley and thus the first match point. Zverev finished with the forehand.
In the individual games, Struff prevailed against Dusan Lajovic and Djokovic against Zverev in three sets. In the semifinals, the Russian team is now waiting, with Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, two top ten players, into the scales.
The teams from Italy and Spain will contest the second semi-final on Saturday. The Italians had qualified in Group C with victories against Austria and France, Spain was enough against Greece a match victory by Pablo Carreno Busta. It will be interesting to see whether Rafael Nadal will be used by the Spaniards. The world number two has so far been suspended due to a slight back injury.