Davis Cup as an opportunity for Alexander Zverev: back on track with the team
After the disappointment in Australia and the turmoil in Mexico,Alexander Zverev wants to use the Davis Cup to take a step forward.
by SID
last edit: Mar 03, 2022, 07:39 pm
Alexander Zverev 's social media channels are currently idle. The otherwise active German number one apparently took a digital break after the freak out in Acapulco. No snapshots from Rio de Janeiro on Facebook or Instagram - it seems as if the Olympic champion wants to focus on the essentials after a difficult first week of the season: on himself and his tennis.
For the first time since 2019, the world number one will start again in the Davis Cup in Brazil on Friday and will do everything in the feel-good atmosphere of the German team to get back on track. The misstep of his disqualification at the Mexico Open should get out of his head as quickly as possible - out of his own and those of his disappointed fans.
"I have a big goal to win the Davis Cup"
With the appropriate motivation, the 24-year-old from Hamburg, who seemed to be heading for a permanent high after the triumph in Tokyo and at the ATP Finals in Turin, started the journey to the Sugar Loaf. "Together with the team, I have the big goal of winning the Davis Cup once. Whenever there is a chance, I'm happy to do my part," said Zverev, who meets Thiago Seyboth Wild in his individual match on Friday.
Recently, this opportunity did not arise. Yes, and the decision to appear in the selection of the German Tennis Association (DTB) seems to have been made with care. Zverev can always be sure of the backing of the association. "We want to help him as a team to get through the difficult phase," said Davis Cup captain Michael Kohlmann.
On Friday (from 8 p.m. / Sportdeutschland TV) the first two singles are scheduled, in which the favorites already want to set the course for an away win. On Saturday (6 p.m.) the decision will be made in doubles and in the remaining two singles. In addition to Zverev, Jan-Lennard Struff, Oscar Otte and doubles players Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz are part of Kohlmann's team. The German number two Struff is contesting the second individual match after Zverev and is dealing with Thiago Monteiro.
If the German team prevails, it will be guaranteed participation in the group stage of the 16 best teams in September. "Brazil are dangerous opponents," said Kohlmann, who doesn't want to be fooled by world rankings: "We have to be self-confident, not let the audience irritate us and assert our qualities."
Venues for the quarterfinals still open
The decision in the traditional competition, which was recently changed again and again with clear rumbling, will be made in a knockout round from the quarter-finals at the end of November, the venues are not yet known.
Defending champion Russia around the world number one Daniil Medvedev is not allowed to participate because of the sanctions of the international tennis association ITF. This also increases the chances for the selection of the DTB. "I think we don't have to hide from anyone and can keep up with every other team in our best formation and with our team spirit," said Zverev.