MALAGA (AP) — The German Davis Cup team stayed on the tennis court for minutes after a bitter quarterfinal and an excited Canadian fan block looked on with a horrified expression shortly after midnight.
When Tim Putz and Kevin Kravitz entered the press conference room at 12:30, the frustration was still huge, but they were brimming with energy. “This is not enough for us. We want more and we will do everything for it,” Pütz promised.
The meaning of this “more” is clear: Germany has been yearning since 1993 for a first title in the prestigious national competition. Jan-Lennard Struff’s early success over Denis Shapovalov in this year’s final tournament was not enough. After a strong performance, Oscar Otte lost to Félix Auger-Aliassime, sixth in the world rankings. Kravitz and Putz, who had never lost a Davis Cup doubles before, were defeated by Shapovalov and Vasek Pospisil.
go on vacation with your head held high
After an exhausting season, the German selection can still start their short holiday with their heads held high. “We also have to look at where we came from and consider who we have available,” turning his attention to Olympic champion Alexander Zverev, who was absent in Malaga due to injury. “When he’s there, he makes us a little bit stronger,” said the couples expert.
Zverev should help when the DTB team next attacks “the ugliest salad bowl in the world”, as the Davis Cup trophy is jokingly called 30 years after the last title win. The 25-year-old has indicated his readiness for the competition, according to team boss Michael Coleman.
hope for zverev
“In general, Sasha definitely makes us better,” Coleman said. Zverev also “generally announced that he would be there”. The German word “generic” allows for a certain amount of leeway. However, a hard rejection by Zverev seems to be different.
In the spring, Zverev led Germany to success in a qualifying duel in Brazil. In the intermediate round in Hamburg, twelfth in the world rankings sat behind the gang as a great fan. “He showed that he also wants to win this cup,” said Koeman. The 48-year-old said he was confident he would see Zverev in any round next year.
But even without Germany’s best tennis players, the men’s team need not hide. “It was a bitter defeat today, but the whole team showed that we can keep up with any team,” Krawietz said. The Germans were certainly able to keep up with Canada. With Zverev, they may soon be able to win against the North Americans.
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