Thanks to tennis star Alexander Zverev, Germany’s Davis Cup team still has a chance of winning its first title in 32 years. The world number three ensured a 1-1 draw in the quarter-finals against Argentina in the final round in Bologna with a 6:3, 7:6 (7:3) win against Francisco Cerundolo.
The 28-year-old Zverev said he was “very happy with the win”: “With the equalizer we would have stayed alive.”
Jan-Lennard Struff (35) previously narrowly lost to Tomás Martín Etcheverry 6:7 (3:7), 6:7 (7:9). The decision in best-of-three mode will now be made in the evening in the doubles event with German specialists Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz. Germany has been waiting for victory in this prestigious team competition since 1993.
Spain wins against the Czech Republic
Possible semifinal, Germany will meet the Spanish team on Saturday. The Iberians beat the Czech Republic 2-1 even without world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who had to cancel his start in Bologna at short notice due to a thigh problem.
Defending champions Italy had previously qualified for the semifinals thanks to a 2-0 win against Austria and Belgium thanks to a 2-0 win against France. Italy and Belgium will determine the first finalists on Friday.
