Davis Cup: Struff Beats Shapovalov and Leads Germany to Semifinals

Germany advanced to the semifinals of the Davis Cup after defeating Canada 2-0 in their quarterfinal match on Wednesday.

According to German News Agency, Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff came from behind to defeat Canada’s Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5) in the second singles match. Struff commented on his win, saying: “It was a tough match. I’m happy that I managed to get the decisive point in the tiebreak of the third set.”

Earlier, Daniel Altmaier had given Germany a 1-0 lead by defeating Gabriel Diallo 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 in the first singles match. Altmaier, ranked 88th in the world, needed 1 hour and 57 minutes to secure the win.

Altmaier said after his match: “It has become a reality. It’s always a great honor to play for your country.”

With Germany’s victories in the two singles matches, there was no need for a doubles match.

This victory marked a redemption for Germany, as they had lost to Canada in the same round two years ago by a 1-2 scoreline, with Canada eventually winning the 2021 Davis Cup title. Notably, Struff had also defeated Shapovalov in their previous encounter.

Germany will face the Netherlands in the semifinals on Friday. The Dutch team defeated Spain 2-1, ending Rafael Nadal’s campaign in the tournament. Struff commented on the upcoming match, saying: “They have a strong team. It will be a tough task for sure.”

Germany is seeking its first Davis Cup title since 1993, while the Netherlands has never won the competition.

The quarterfinals continue tomorrow in Málaga, Spain, with Italy (defending champions) led by world number one Jannik Sinner taking on Argentina, while the United States faces Australia.