Botic Van de Zandschulp survives to give Netherlands a chance to beat Germany in Davis Cup SF | ATP Tour

Matching Report

Botic converts 10th MP to give Netherlands a chance to overtake Germany in Davis Cup SF

The 29-year-old beat Altmaier to put the Netherlands 1-0 up against Germany

November 22, 2024

Botic van de Zandschulp was forced to take a dramatic approach, but he did so in a spectacular way to put the Netherlands on top of history in the Davis Cup Final 8.

The 29-year-old outlasted Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6-7(12), 6-3 on Friday to give the Netherlands a 1-0 lead over Germany in their semi-final in Malaga. If the Dutchmen can win, they will reach the title race for the first time in the tournament's 104-year history.

“Actually, I'm not sure [how I did it]I didn't know what to do at those match points,” said Van de Zandschulp, who improved to 2-0 in singles this week after his quarter-final win over Rafael Nadal on Tuesday. “In the second set, I was 4-2 15-40, I felt like if I made a double break it would be a game, a set and a game. At halftime, he handled the rest of the game well.

“I had the hardest game of my life on Tuesday, so everything that follows is a little bit easier.”

10 game points and 2 hours and 42 minutes later.. @Boticvdz he goes through an epic battle against Altmaier 6-4 6-7(12) 6-4!@DavisCup | #DavisCup | @knltbtennispic.twitter.com/cq2M5f4jVg

– ATP Tour (@atptour) November 22, 2024

Leading 4-2 in the first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting, Van de Zandschulp appeared headed for victory but Altmaier, number 88 in the PIF ATP Rankings, found a late burst of energy to revive hopes of a comeback. . Aided by some inspired tennis, the German saved five match points in a thrilling second-set break before forcing a decider.

Despite the change in momentum, Van de Zandschulp held on for a chance to take the match at 5-3. In keeping with the theme of the game, the Dutchman gave up four more points before winning after two hours, 42 minutes on his tenth attempt.

Tallon Griekspoor will look to secure the Netherlands' place in the final when he takes on Jan-Lennard Struff. If the German can force the doubles rubber, Wesley Koolhof, who will retire at the end of the tournament, will partner Van de Zandschulp against Nitto ATP Finals champions Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz.

The winner of this match will wait for the Davis Cup champions, Italy or Australia, who will meet in another semi-final on Saturday.