Davis Cup: Despite defeat - Germany remains aggressive
The semifinals were within reach for the German Davis Cup team. Next year, Alexander Zverev is to launch a new attack on the "ugliest salad bowl in the world".
by SID
last edit: Nov 25, 2022, 04:55 pm
Kevin Krawietz plunged into gallows humor after midnight. "Maybe we're like the national football team, which plays incredibly well in the first 60 minutes and then can't finish it," said the 30-year-old in Malaga shortly after missing the semi-finals in the Davis Cup and scowled. The disappointment about the missed opportunity, of all things due to a defeat of the hitherto untouchable doubles, weighed heavily.
"That's not enough for us. I don't think anyone will say: Hey, that was a great year because we were in the quarter-finals," said Tim Pütz, with whom Krawietz had to accept the crucial 1-2 draw in the quarter-finals against strong Canadians: " We came here to go far and win this thing." However, he also emphasized the outsider role of the team of national coach Michael Kohlmann, who had to do without their world-class player in Alexander Zverev.
Last German triumph in 1993
That could change again with the next attack on the "ugliest salad bowl in the world" in the coming year if Zverev should be fit again. The last German triumph was 30 years ago. "He has shown that he wants to win the cup. And I am convinced that we will definitely see him in some round next year, if his body allows it," said national coach Michael Kohlmann, who was eliminated in Andalusia visibly nagging: "Of course it's a bitter defeat after an exciting duel."
The German pros faced Canada in Malaga for more than seven hours, then hopes were gone after Krawietz/Pütz (Coburg/Frankfurt) lost 6-2, 3-6, 3-6. To date, neither had lost a match in eleven or twelve appearances for Germany. Ironically, the duo caught it at the first joint appearance after the announcement of the future cooperation on the tour.
Struff beats Shapovalov
Previously, Jan-Lennard Struff had the world number 18 with an impressively consistent performance. Defeated Denis Shapovalov in three sets and showed that despite his slippage this season at 32, he's still a force to be reckoned with. Oscar Otte also did not disappoint in his two-set loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime, number six in the world.
Now the German professionals are going on their well-deserved vacation before preparing for the Australian Open. Then Zverev, who was recently slowed down by bone edema, wants to return to the big stage.