06:42
Review: 1st qualification round 2025
Germany secured the move into round 2 through a 3-1 win against Israel. The game was played on neutral soil in Lithuania at the end of January. Despite the lack of Zverev and Struff (at that time sick), Yannick Hanfmann and Maximilian Marterer won both singles, the double Krawietz/Pütz decided the game. Only the last single was narrowly lost, but this did not change the overall success.
Japan, on the other hand, provided a surprise by winning 3-2 after several years without a real coup against the favorite. The decisive player was Kei Nishikori, who led the team to victory with his experience.
06:36
Starting position & meaning
The German team has to compete away, which means a difficult lot in the Davis Cup. The game is played on hard court, and the format comprises five matches, four singles and one double. The team that first achieved three victories qualifies for the Davis Cup finals in Bologna in November. Jan-Lennard Struff and Yannick Hanfmann are available as single players for Germany, supported by a world-class double with Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz. Captain Michael Kohlmann expects a “duel at eye level”, because the Japanese team has two single players with Yoshihioto Nishioka and Shintaro Mochizuki, who are currently positioned in the world rankings, such as the German opponents. Particularly relevant: The Youngster Justin Engel is nominated as a substitute, but for the time being there is an observer. Alexander Zverev still lacks the German team, and Japan also lacks the long -time top performers Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori. The climatic conditions on site are humid, but the hall and the popular Australian open balls are no strangers for both teams.