The replacement weakened German Davis Cup team is facing the second round before moving in. Even without the top players Alexander Zverev and Jan-Lennard Struff, the selection of the German tennis federal government against outsiders Israel leads 2-0 after the first two.
Maximilian Marterer provided 6: 2, 5: 7, 6: 4 against Yshai Oliel for the hard -fought first point. The 29-year-old had significantly more problems in Vilnius than expected with number 531 of the tennis world rankings. After a sovereign first set, the Nuremberger let his opponent come into play more and more. In the third round, Marterer opened heavily and made the decisive break to 6: 4.
“The match was getting tighter from the second set, I became more nervous because he played good tennis from the baseline. But I am glad that I still managed to secure my team the first point”, said Marterer.
Maximilian Marterer in the first match against Yshai Oliel.
Afterwards Yannick Hanfmann followed 6: 4, 6: 4 against Daniel Cukierman. On Saturday, the world-class double Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz can already provide the decisive 3-0.
Great Britain or Japan are waiting to
In September, the winner against Great Britain or Japan will enter the final tournament of the best eight teams.
Zverev had canceled early for the duel with Israel to recover from the Australian Open. In the short term, Struff is also not available due to an infection. Due to the security situation, Israel’s home game takes place in the Lithuanian capital.