Davis Cup: Even without Zverev: German Tennis team on course

Even without Alexander Zverev and Jan-Lennard Struff, the German Davis Cup team is facing the next round before moving in. The replacement weakened selection of the German tennis federal government leads 2-0 against outsider Israel and only needs one win.

Maximilian Marterer provided 6: 2, 5: 7, 6: 4 against Yshai Oliel for the hard -fought first point. Afterwards Yannick Hanfmann followed 6: 4, 6: 4 against Daniel Cukierman. On Saturday, the world-class double Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz has the chance to take care of the decisive 3-0.

Great Britain or Japan are waiting to

In the event of victory, Germany will be against Great Britain or Japan in September for moving into the final tournament of the best eight teams. This will be held for the first time in Bologna in November.

Zverev had canceled early for the duel with Israel to recover from the Australian Open. In Melbourne, the world ranking second had reached the final, but missed his first Grand Slam triumph against the Italian Jannik Sinner. In the short term, Struff also had to fit because of an infection.

Many places remained empty in Vilnius’ arena, so that only a few fans traveled with them provided some Davis Cup atmosphere. Due to the security situation, Israel’s home game takes place in the Lithuanian capital.

Marterer in the meantime “restless”

In the first individual, Marterer had significantly more problems than expected with number 531 in the world rankings. “I am happy that I could rock it home,” he said. After a sovereign first set, the Nuremberger let his opponent Oliel come into play more and more.

“Suddenly the opponent changes a few things and made me a few mistakes,” said Marterer. “I got a little restless, which shouldn’t have happened, but sometimes it is normal in the Davis Cup. In the end it was an open fight.”

In the third round, Marterer then opened strongly and made the decisive break to 6: 4. For the world rankings in 198. It was already the fourth victory in his fifth Davis Cup single.

Hanfmann ensures the second point

Afterwards, Hanfmann did not completely play flawlessly. Although he made a break in both sentences in the first game, but also had to make his serve twice.

But the experienced 33-year-old did not let himself be brought out of the concept by the unorthodox style of his opponent, who played unpredictably. After 1:50 hours, Hanfmann ensured the important second point of the team of captain Michael Kohlmann. “It was a difficult match,” said Hanfmann to his victory.