Alexander Zverev says he is fully committed to ending Germany’s 32-year wait for a Davis Cup title after the country reached the semi-finals on Thursday.
The European nation sealed its place in the last four by ousting Argentina 2-1 in a thrilling encounter. After falling behind in the tie, Zverev revived Germany’s chances by defeating Francisco Cerúndolo 6-4, 7-6(3). Then in the decisive doubles match, Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz outlasted Horacio Zeballos and Andres Molteni 4-6 6-4 7-6 (10) in a marathon clash lasting two hours and 31 minutes, saving three match points in the process.
Zverev is the only top 10 player participating in the tournament this week following the withdrawal of Carlos Alcaraz due to injury. Jannik Sinner skipped the event to have a longer off-season and Lorenzo Musetti pulled out due to a combination of physical and family reasons.
While he is the highest-ranked player participating, Zverev has also been a vocal critic of the recent changes made to the Davis Cup. Especially when it comes to staging the Finals in a neutral venue, rather than having home-and-away ties.
“I will always do that. I will always play at 100%. I will always support my team,” he states.
“But it’s maybe a little bit sad that this kind of match and the doubles, maybe maximum a thousand people in the stadium. If we play in Argentina or Germany, there will be maybe 15,000 people. In that regard, I think it’s a bit sad.
“Now I’m here and I will do everything I can to make Germany win.”
The International Tennis Federation, which oversees the Davis Cup, recently defended the current format of the tournament. However, CEO Ross Hutchins says they are open to possible changes in the future after some players suggested the event should be staged every two years to attract more top names. As it currently stands, there is no suggestion that this will happen.
Meanwhile, in this year’s Finals, Germany will take on Spain next. They have won the title three times before, but their latest triumph was in 1993, which was also the last year they reached the final.
“Our record is pretty bad against Spain in the Davis Cup,” team captain Michael Kohlmann admits.
“They have a tough team, even though they lost Carlos (Alcaraz) on Monday. (Jaume) Munar had a great year. Pablo Carreno Busta, Pedro Martinez, they are tough guys. They know how to win close matches. Granollers, he won two Grand Slams.
“I expect a really tough tie.”
In the other section of the draw, two-time defending champions Italy will play Belgium on Friday.
