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Davis Cup: Michael Kohlmann fully relies on Alexander Zverev

Team boss Michael Kohlmann relies fully on the recovered Alexander Zverev in the Davis Cup duel in Trier against Switzerland on Friday and Saturday.

by SID
last edit: Jan 31, 2023, 03:34 pm

Alexander Zverev will lead the German team in Trier as a player
© Getty Images
Alexander Zverev will lead the German team in Trier as a player

"I hope that he will be the leader of the team and play a very important part for us," said Kohlmann before the qualifying game in the traditional tennis team competition.

It is "difficult to say" where Zverev is currently after his month-long injury break, said Kohlmann: "It was important that he started in Australia without any physical problems and that he clinched a win."

Zverev (25) was eliminated in the second round of the Australian Open in Melbourne. "It's normal that he looked tired in the second match. I'm sure he's a lot further now," said Kohlmann. Zverev suffered a ligament injury at the French Open 2022 in the semifinals against Rafael Nadal and was out until the end of the year.

Zverev has a lot of responsibility in Trier, as Jan-Lennard Struff will be missing from the German team due to an inflammation of the biceps tendon in the hitting arm. The loss of the veteran hurt, said Kohlmann: "He was extremely important for the team last year, scored a lot of points, but also off the pitch as a team leader. But I'm sure we can compensate for this loss too."

Against Switzerland it is about qualifying for the final tournament of the best 16 teams at the end of the year. Kohlmann expects "a tough nut to crack, an open game". "Switzerland got another incredibly experienced man in Stan Wawrinka - a former Davis Cup winner, there aren't that many in the world".

by SID

Tuesday
Jan 31, 2023, 03:45 pm
last edit: Jan 31, 2023, 03:34 pm