Alexander Zverev out of Davis Cup Finals, but Germany captain happy to continue journey with current squad

Davis Cup

Shahida Jacobs
October 24, 2022

Alexander Zverev’s 2022 season is effectively over as he has not been included in Germany’s squad for the Davis Cup Finals quarter-final against Canada in Malaga in November.

The German has been sidelined since June after he tore ligaments in his ankle when he twisted his foot during his French Open quarter-final clash against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros.

After being forced to miss Wimbledon and the US Open, Zverev initially earmarked a return to action for Germany at the Davis Cup group stage in September, but he suffered a setback as he was diagnosed with a bone edema on his right foot.

He has since withdrawn from the Paris Masters, which starts on October 31, and the German Tennis Federation confirmed on Monday that he is not yet ready to play in the Davis Cup.

The 25-year-old Zverev has slipped to No 6 in the ATP Rankings and he will drop further as he reached the semi-final of the Paris Masters last year while he will also miss the season-ending ATP Finals where he is the defending champion.

“At the moment it doesn’t look like Alexander Zverev will be ready for action again until the Davis Cup,” a statement read.

Captain Michael Kohlmann has stuck with the same set of players who were on duty in Hamburg when they won their group 3-0 after victories over Australia, France and Belgium.

Oscar Otte, Jan-Lennard Struff and Yannick Hanfmann will compete in the singles with Tim Putz and Kevin Krawietz set for doubles duties.

“These players have been convincing and deserve to continue the journey together,” Kohlmann said.

He added: “The team has developed an incredible sense of togetherness over the past few years, which, coupled with our playing quality, makes us an uncomfortable opponent for any nation.”

Canada finished second in their group behind Spain and will likely once again count heavily on world No 9 Felix Auger-Aliassime, who has won back-to-back ATP 250 titles in Florence and Antwerp and also helped Team World to win the Laver Cup in September.

Kohlmann is confident that his team can upset the Canadians.

“Of course we are not the favourites but we are looking forward to this challenge. We have proved many times that we can compete with the best and like last year we want to reach at least the semi-finals,” he said.

Alexander Zverev Michael Kohlmann