For the first time in 14 years, the German tennis men are back in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup!
Without Alexander Zverev (24 / on vacation), the doubles Kevin Krawietz (29) and Tim Pütz (34) scored the decisive point on Tuesday evening in Innsbruck thanks to a 7: 6, 7: 6 Joe Salisbury (29) and Neal Skupski (31) to 2-1 against Great Britain. The winning duo even made up a 5-0 deficit in the second tie-break.
Jan-Lennard Struff (31) had previously prevented the premature end with a 7: 6 (8: 6), 3: 6, 6: 2 against the world number 12 Cameron Norrie (26) after Peter Gojowczyk (32) at the 2 : 6, 1: 6 against Daniel Evans (31) had no chance.
Struff after the game: “This is definitely one of the most important victories I’ve achieved. That means a lot to me. It’s so much fun to play in a team. “
The Germans are now traveling to Madrid and will meet the strong Russians or outsiders Swedes on Saturday. The opponent will be determined on Thursday.
This year, too, the competition is increasing with a new mode, which was first introduced in 2019. Instead of four singles and one doubles, a maximum of two singles and one doubles matches are now completed. In addition, two sets won are enough for a match win and not three sets as before 2019.
Germany has won the most important team competition in men’s tennis three times (1988, 1989, 1993). And now, thanks to Struff and the double Krawietz / Pütz, can dream of the next title.
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