Davis Cup: "Defeat that was not expected"
Team boss Michael Kohlmann reacted angrily to the defeat of the German Davis Cup team against Switzerland in Trier.
by SID
last edit: Feb 05, 2023, 05:47 am
"It's bitter. That was a defeat that was not to be expected," said the former professional after the 2: 3 selection of the German Tennis Association (DTB) against Switzerland.
"Actually, no one in the team can blame themselves," Kohlmann explained and was combative: "Switzerland was a little better today, but we keep dreaming."
The 49-year-old was enthusiastic about the atmosphere in the arena in Trier: "The atmosphere was unbelievable, the people stood the whole time. Those are the special moments for a tennis player."
Altmaier with tears after the defeat
Davis Cup debutant Daniel Altmaier, who lost in the decisive fifth match 3: 6, 7: 5, 4: 6 against three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka, fought back tears afterwards. "It was a bitter match - it's something completely different to play the Davis Cup. You don't normally have that kind of pressure," said the 24-year-old.
Despite a 2-1 lead after the doubles game, Germany failed in Trier and thus missed out on qualifying for the Davis Cup group stage in September. Top player Alexander Zverev surprisingly lost in two sets against Marc-Andrea Hüsler before Altmaier missed the surprise against Wawrinka (37), who was getting on in years but was much more experienced.