After the failure of top player Alexander Zverev, Davis Cup team boss Michael Kohlmann warned of the relegation game in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the threat of relegation from the world group.
“We have to prepare well, do our homework and reach our performance limit,” said Kohlmann in Mostar. On Saturday and Sunday the German tennis men will play there to stay in the group of top nations.
None of the nominated individual players Daniel Altmaier, Yannick Hanfmann and replacement Maximilian Marterer have yet celebrated a victory in the national competition. “That’s definitely one thing that would have helped if you had someone who had already scored several points for Germany,” admitted Kohlmann: “But nonetheless, Yannick and Daniel played a very, very good year – especially on the ashes . I’m very positive about the outcome of the weekend.”
Germany favored despite Zverev’s failure
Zverev, tenth in the world rankings, canceled his planned appearance at short notice due to a muscle injury in his left thigh. He sustained the injury in the quarterfinals of the US Open against Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
In terms of ranking positions, the German tennis men are favored despite the loss. The best-known player for the hosts is Damir Dzumhur. The 31-year-old was number 23 in the world rankings in 2018 and is currently ranked 157th. “I think he is definitely someone who has the extra motivation for his country and can get more out of himself “than his current ranking position says,” warned Kohlmann. In addition to Altmaier, Hanfmann and Marterer, the German team includes doubles specialists Tim Pütz and Kevin Krawietz.
