Match Report
Struff withstands Shapovalov’s ace barrage, books Germany’s Davis Cup SF spot
Altmaier beat Diallo in opening rubber, Germany to face Netherlands subsequent
November 20, 2024
Jorge Guerrero/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
Jan-Lennard Struff celebrates after clinching Germany a semi-final spot on the Davis Cup Remaining 8.
By ATP Employees
A pair of essential tie-break units bookended a dramatic quarter-final tie on Wednesday on the Davis Cup Remaining 8, the place Germany moved previous Canada 2-0 in Malaga.
Jan-Lennard Struff overcame Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(5) to earn the profitable level for Germany, which reached its first Davis Cup semi-final since 2021. The No. 43 within the PIF ATP Rankings Struff prevailed in a two-hour, seven-minute battle regardless of Canada’s Shapovalov firing 27 aces.
Earlier, Daniel Altmaier edged Gabriel Diallo in a 75-minute opening set en path to a 7-6(5), 6-4 triumph.
“Denis was enjoying superb, popping out firing,” mentioned Struff, who had served for the match at 5-4 within the third set. “It was a really powerful match. He was serving so properly. It was unimaginable. Second serves at like 180 km/h. It was powerful to return. The court docket could be very quick.
“I had my likelihood [in the third set]. I broke him and served for the match. I didn’t play the very best recreation, however he was there and hit some winners. Even within the tie-break, I went up 4/3 and he then he hit a forehand winner. An unimaginable match… I’m simply pleased to recover from the road on the finish.”
STRUFF GETS IT DONE! 🇩🇪@Struffitennis seals the tie for Crew Germany after a outstanding comeback in opposition to Shapovalov! 😱@DavisCup | #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/0DSurVrDgg
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 20, 2024
Germany faces an enormous European derby in its semi-final on Friday, when it’ll tackle the Netherlands.
“It is going to be superb,” mentioned Struff of the Netherlands tie. “It’s an enormous step for us to go from the quarters to the semis. For certain we wish to win and go to the ultimate now. Netherlands performed an incredible match yesterday beating Spain right here in entrance of a house crowd. So we count on a really powerful opponent. Germany and the Netherlands is a little bit little bit of a rivalry. We are going to attempt the whole lot. They’ve superb followers as properly, so wanting ahead to the match on Friday.”
Captain Michael Kohlmann was delighted as his workforce moved one step additional ahead in its bid for its fourth Davis Cup crown, and its first since 1993.
“I feel if Daniel had misplaced that first set of the day, the tie was a totally totally different one,” mirrored Kohlmann on Altmaier’s opening win. “Daniel was up a break, misplaced his serve once more straightaway and had so many probabilities within the set, however couldn’t convert. I feel to win it in the long run was key for that match.”