Zverev, Shelton back on court for Davis Cup qualifiers
Newly-crowned US Open champion Alexander Zverev makes a quick return to action this weekend as he bids to help Germany reach the Davis Cup Finals, while American Ben Shelton hopes to put his Flushing Meadows final defeat behind him.
World No 2 Zverev downed Shelton in four sets on Sunday to continue a dream season after ending his long wait to win a Grand Slam title at the French Open in June.
Leading Germany to a first Davis Cup crown since 1993 would cap off his year in style.
But to reach November’s eight-team Finals, the Germans must first get through a second-round qualifying tie against Croatia in Halle on Saturday and Sunday.
The seven qualifiers will be decided this week, joining hosts and three-time defending champions Italy in Bologna in two months’ time.
Michael Kohlmann’s Germany will be strong favourites to get the better of a Croatia team including 37-year-old Marin Cilic and youngster Dino Prizmic.
The Croatians have not reached the Finals since a group-stage exit in 2023, when there were still 16 teams taking part.
Germany came up just short in the Finals last year, as Tim Puetz and Kevin Krawietz suffered only their second defeat in 24 Davis Cup matches together in a deciding doubles rubber against Spain in the semifinals.
The United States, record 32-time winners of the competition, face a serious test in their bid to end a 19-year wait for a 33rd title when they take on a strong Czech Republic side in Prague tomorrow and Saturday.
The winners of the contest between South Korea and India in Seoul will become the first Asian country to reach the quarterfinals since Kazakhstan in 2021.
Rafael Jodar, who turns 20 on Thursday, will make his Davis Cup debut for Spain as they continue their tilt at a seventh title against Chile in Santiago.
Britain, featuring surprise Wimbledon semifinalist Arthur Fery, welcome Ecuador to London, while Austria take on Belgium, for whom Alexander Blockx withdrew following his run to the US Open quarters.
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Arthur Fils are slated to go head-to-head as Canada face France in Quebec City.-AFP
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