Netherlands reach first Davis Cup Final after beating Germany

The Netherlands defeated Germany in the Davis Cup semi-finals on Friday evening in Malaga, booking their maiden appearance in the final on Sunday.

Two singles victories were all it took for the Netherlands to prevail, with Botic van de Zandschulp overcoming Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6-7 (12), 6-3 before Tallon Griekspoor beat Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4 to seal the tie.

It was an impressive performance from van de Zandschulp in particular, who earlier in the tournament ended the career of Rafael Nadal in front of a sold-out Spanish crowd.

This time, the Dutchman required 10 match points to dispatch Altmaier, losing an epic 14-12 tiebreak in the second set before winning in a deciding set.

“I’m not sure actually how I did it,” he said after the match.

“I didn’t know what to do anymore on those match points.

“In the second set, I had 4-2 15-40, I felt like if I had made the double break there, it would be game, set and match.

“In the tie-break, he handled some of the match points quite well, actually.

“I had the toughest match of my life on Tuesday (against Nadal), so everything that comes next is a little bit easier.”

Griekspoor’s victory over Struff was equally challenging, with the 28-year-old coming back from a set down to claim the match off the back of some sharp serving.

“I just tried to focus on my own game,” said Griekspoor, who struck 25 aces over the match.

“I felt like he was playing unbelievable tennis, I didn’t do much wrong in the first set.

“I’m super proud of myself, super proud of the effort and very happy to get the win in the end.”

Griekspoor also explained the significance of the Netherlands making the first-ever Davis Cup final in the event’s 104-year history.

“We have been talking about this moment for two or three years,” he said.

“We came here all the time with unbelievably tough draws, but we believed in ourselves so much.

“We always felt like this was possible.

“To do it now feels unbelievable. I am so happy for the team, and for Holland.”

The Netherlands will play the winner of Italy and Australia in the final, with the two meeting in a repeat of last year’s final in Saturday’s semi-final.

Tennis betting sites have Italy (-357.14) heavy favourites to beat Australia (+250), with world No.1 Jannik Sinner looking in ominous form for the defending champions.

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