World No.3, Alexander Zverev has been included in the Germany Davis Cup team. This inclusion has made Michael Kohlmann a very happy captain. Sascha will not be a part of the team which will play the qualifying round and travel to South America.
On missing out on playing in South America, Zverev said, “I’m sad to miss the Davis Cup preliminary round in Brazil.”
“Unfortunately, with two upcoming Masters tournaments on another continent and surface, the place and time don’t fit into my tournament schedule. Playing for my home country is always very important to me and I’m proud to represent Germany.”
“But with the 1000 tournaments I have great chances for me personally, which I would like to try to use. We have a great team that showed how strong they are in the Davis Cup finals last year. I’m sure the boys will do great against Brazil. I wish them every success and I will cheer them on!”
Jan-Lennard Struff, Oscar Otte, Daniel Altmaier, Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz form the team for the Davis Cup qualifying round against Brazil.
Michael Kohlmann on Alexander Zverev’s Impact on the Team
Michael Kohlmann is confident about his team contending in the Davis Cup 2022. The boost in his confidence can be traced to the inclusion of Alexander Zverev in the team.
As per the Davis Cup website, Kohlmann said, “I think last year we showed that our team is really dangerous. The doubles obviously is a big part in this competition.”
“Once you are feeling really comfortable in the doubles, you only have to win one singles. That’s kind of in your mind and in the mind of your opponents.”
Kohlmann was stoked to have Zverev in the team. He said, “I think once we get maybe Sascha Zverev into the team I think we would add another piece for this puzzle and we might be even closer for the title.”
“Last year we felt we were close, and we want to give us another opportunity to get even closer.”
The German Davis Cup team has to do without Alexander Zverev in Brazil. Kohlmann said, “It’s going to be a tough trip, a tough tie against Brazil. We are preparing ourselves for a good home crowd. We are expecting a lot of spectators. Tough crowd. South America is always a little bit special.”
“I think we should be aware that we have to bring on our best to get through to the qualification groups.”
Previously Germany won four out of six meetings against Brazil. The last time the two teams met was in 2013, when Germany won 4-1.
Michael Kohlmann gave his thoughts on the surface and climate of South America. He said, “The climate and the surface make it a very difficult task. None of the guys play on clay before. That’s why this week in Rio will be very challenging and we have to concentrate on preparing.”