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ALEXANDER ZVEREV'S ANALYSIS: ALCARAZ OUT IMPLIES GERMANY'S ODDS SKYROCKET SIGNIFICANTLY
Alexander Zverev admits Germany's Davis Cup chances improved with Carlos Alcaraz's injury withdrawal, but says he wanted the world No. 1 to play. Germany opens its campaign against Argentina.
Zverev Admits Alcaraz's Absence Is Key For Germany Win
Alexander Zverev acknowledges that Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal may have boosted Germany's chances of clinching the Davis Cup Final 8, but he expresses a desire to have seen the world No. 1 compete in Bologna this week.
After losing to Jannik Sinner in the ATP Finals, the Spanish player underwent an emergency MRI due to hamstring tightness and stiffness. Sadly for both Spanish fans and the six-time Grand Slam champion, the results revealed bone oedema in his hamstring. The current US Open champion had to withdraw after doctors dismissed his initial hope of being able to participate this week.
For Spain, represented now by Pedro Martinez, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Jaume Munar, the landscape changes significantly without Alcaraz.
On Alcaraz's withdrawal, Zverev remarked, "I was looking forward to seeing him at the Davis Cup Final 8." He added, "If we are the favourites, then sure, but honestly, I was also eager to see Carlos Alcaraz play since everyone is obviously fatigued. When asked if Alcaraz's absence enhances Germany's status as favourites, world No. 3 Zverev told ZDF, "It has been a long season; he has played incredible tennis again this year, and unexpected events can arise."
Alongside Zverev, Yannick Hanfmann, Jan-Lennard Struff, and the accomplished doubles team of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz will represent Germany.
The Germans will face Argentina in their first match on Thursday, aiming to secure their first Davis Cup title since 1993.
Zverev stated, "First and foremost, it goes without saying that we all share a great camaraderie. Moreover, we have only one, two, or at most three years to win the Davis Cup with this team and lineup, even though the guys and I are getting older. Of course, we want to do everything within our power to make it happen."
It is worth mentioning that Italy, the defending Davis Cup champions, are also without Jannik Sinner in Bologna.
NEVER SAY DIE: MATTEO BERRETTINI'S ITALY FIGHTS TO DAVIS CUP SEMI-FINAL SPOT
Italy's Davis Cup team, without Sinner & Musetti, extends its winning streak to 12 ties. Matteo Berrettini & Cobolli secure a 2-0 win over Austria, advancing to face Belgium in the semifinals.
No Sinner, No Problem: Berrettini Steps Up
Although Lorenzo Musetti and Jannik Sinner are not participating for Italy at the Davis Cup Finals this week, they still achieved victory against Austria on Wednesday in Bologna.
The Italian team claimed the title at the Davis Cup Finals this week, thanks to straight-set wins from Matteo Berrettini and Flavio Cobolli, despite the absence of Sinner and Musetti, two of their top players. After triumphing over France on the opening day, they will face Belgium on Friday.
This means that Italy will continue their winning streak of 12 ties at the Davis Cup Finals, which began during the competition's group stages in 2023. Argentina is set to compete against Germany on Thursday, while Spain will take on the Czech Republic.
Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist, secured a pivotal win for Italy. He took the first set with a single service break after defeating Jurij Rodionov 6-3, 7-6(3). However, he encountered a challenge after being broken for the first time and falling behind 5-2. The 29-year-old managed to dominate the tie-break and fend off three set points to level the score at 5-5.
Berrettini mentioned, "When I represent my country, I focus solely on winning the next point, putting in a strong effort for my teammates, for everyone present, and for everyone watching from home."
"That's the greatest privilege. I always strive to enjoy my time on the court, but winning makes it even better. It’s a truly exceptional experience."
Next was Cobolli, who comfortably defeated the top Austrian player, Filip Misolic, 6-1, 6-3. This year, he gained attention with a run to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, dominating the first set, which lasted only half an hour with three service breaks.
In front of a supportive home crowd, which might not have grasped Berrettini's tangled performance in the opening set, he established his dominance early on. In the second set, he solidified his control over the match and secured an early break, taking a 3-0 lead before confidently serving his way to victory.
"We all aspire to win this cup, and I felt the tremendous support from the bench; it was incredible," Cobolli stated. "I can't find the words to express what it's like to compete for them."
A concern regarding the Davis Cup
Should they win this week, it would mark a three-peat. As reported by BBC Sport, the organisers of the Davis Cup indicated that conversations about the tournament's future will be held, even in light of the absence of many top players.
While Berrettini and Cobolli shone for their country, injuries impacting Alcaraz and the absence of Sinner and Musetti have affected the competition. Other nations such as Australia, the U.S., and Great Britain didn’t qualify initially, and Alexander Zverev is the only prominent player participating this week.
Zverev has also expressed strong criticism of the event, so even though he is present, he has not made any particularly favourable comments. As the season draws to a close after an intense year, many players choose not to participate, which seems to reduce its significance.
AUT 2-0, ITA d. Italy, the two-time defending champion, makes a return to the Davis Cup semifinals in Bologna, following Flavio Cobolli's flawless match against Filip Misolic, winning 6-1, 6-3 in 64 minutes. The Italians have achieved their 12th consecutive tie win in this event. Italy will compete against Belgium on Friday.
CAN HE COMPETE: RAFAEL NADAL'S EMOTIONAL RETURN TO TENNIS AFTER A YEAR.
A year after retirement, Rafael Nadal returned to the court for a practice session with WTA rising star Alexandra Eala at his Academy in Mallorca, showcasing his enduring love for the sport.
Nadal Makes Emotional Return
A year after saying goodbye to professional tennis, Rafael Nadal found himself back in a familiar setting. The 22-time Major champion practised at his Academy in Mallorca with rising WTA talent, Alexandra Eala.
Rafa cautiously returned to the sport that has defined his life, picking up his signature Babolat racket. Choosing the right practice partner for his return was an emotionally challenging decision.
Eala, one of the Academy's most promising young players, moved to Mallorca in 2018 and graduated in 2023, frequently returning to her beloved tennis facility.
From her beginnings as a gifted youth, Alexandra developed into a composed, disciplined professional. Now, she shared the court with her mentor again, this time as an emerging WTA player exchanging shots with a living legend rather than as a student.
Rafa had spent a year away from the court. While in Germany, he observed younger players at his Academy and even guided Alexander Zverev. The King of Clay has now made his return, sporting his familiar smile, enjoying every stroke, and vowing to return even better.
After a year of recovery and reflection, his return was undeniably momentous. His enduring competitive spirit was evident in his lighthearted promise to return stronger next time.
This occasion offered spectators a breathtaking view of Nadal's legacy in action. Sharing the court with a young talent inspired by his tennis philosophy and example, the retired champion was back in the place where he continues to contribute to the game.
Though Rafa might have set aside dreams of competitive tennis, moments like this remind us that he remains very much involved in the sport. And who knows, he might just face off against Roger Federer next year.
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