The final round of the Davis Cup starts in Bologna. Who is there, what are the German chances? – Everything you need to know.
What, when and where?
From Tuesday, the eight best national teams of the tennis year will meet in Bologna for the final round of the Davis Cup. It is the most prestigious and traditional team competition for national teams. The exhibition hall in Bologna can accommodate more than 10,000 spectators.
Argentina, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Belgium, Spain and Germany are taking part. The winner will be crowned on Sunday. It is also the end of a long season. You can win the “ugliest salad bowl in the world”.
Who is playing against whom?
Germany will face Argentina in the quarter-finals, Spain will face the Czech Republic, France will face Belgium and Italy will play against Austria.
The rest of the tournament tree is specified. In the event of a victory, Germany would face the winner of the game between Spain and the Czech Republic. The other two winners will contest the second semi-final.
How did Germany qualify for the final tournament?
In the first qualifying round there was a 3-0 win against Israel in Lithuania and in the second round there was a 4-0 win in Tokyo against Japan.
What are the chances of the German team?
National coach Michael Kohlmann can be pleased about the confirmation of top player Alexander Zverev, who is returning to the Davis Cup team after more than two and a half years. With Kevin Krawietz/Tim Pütz, the DTB team also has a world-class doubles team. Jan-Lennard Struff has proven himself in the German team over the years, and Yannick Hanfmann has had a promising autumn on the tour.
In the quarter-finals on Thursday (from 5 p.m.) the Germans are slightly favored against Argentina.
What is the mode?
The first team to achieve two wins advances to a round. First, two singles are played, then the duel is either over or it is decided in the final doubles.
Which top stars are there besides Zverev?
Spain can rely on six-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Defending champion Italy starts with the home advantage – but has to do without figurehead and guarantee of success Jannik Sinner and top ten player Lorenzo Musetti. After his second title at the ATP Finals, Sinner went on vacation early – which caused displeasure in Italy.
Is there criticism of the Davis Cup?
Yes. Alexander Zverev doesn’t warm up to the current mode. “For me this has nothing to do with the Davis Cup. It is a show tournament called the Davis Cup”Zverev complained: “The real Davis Cup for me is the one with home and away games.”
Zverev said he would be happy to play a possible Davis Cup final after the ATP Finals – but the quarter and semi-finals had not already been played in the weeks or months before “waste of time”.
Why is Zverev still there?
The German number one believes in the title chance. “I’m playing because the boys asked me to and have the feeling that the German team, as it is currently composed, doesn’t have much time left.”explained Zverev. Last year, the German team – without Zverev – ended in the semi-final against the Netherlands.
What do the statistics look like?
The Davis Cup has existed since 1900. The record winner is the United States with 32 successes, Germany has won three times – the last time in 1993. The current defending champion is Italy.
Where can you watch the games?
The German Tennis Association is breaking new ground and, thanks to a cooperation with the “Tennis Channel”, is broadcasting the German performances on its tennis.de platform for the first time. The association offers free live streams from Bologna.