Griekspoor and Botic seal historic Davis Cup night for Netherlands

Tallon Griekspoor tied the bow on a stirring night of Davis Cup drama on Friday, propelling the Netherlands into the history books with their semi-final triumph over Germany.

The 28-year-old dug deep on Friday evening in Malaga to overcome Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-4, securing the Dutchmen’s maiden final in the country’s 104-year history in the competition. In a serving masterclass from both players, it was Griekspoor who held his nerve to seal a 2-0 victory against three-time champions Germany.

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

“I just tried to focus on my own game. 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.”

The Dutch army makes history! ?@DavisCup | #DavisCup | @KNLTB pic.twitter.com/GV6Bz91C6D

Griekspoor utilised the fast indoor courts to full effect with an explosive display, firing 25 aces and winning 83 per cent (54/65) of points behind his first delivery. Struff played his part in a thrilling encounter, but the German will rue the two break points he let slip in a crucial eighth game of the second set. 

Earlier, Botic van de Zandschulp got the Netherlands up and running with a dramatic 6-4, 6-7(12), 6-3 win over Daniel Altmaier, converting on his 10th match point.

“I’m not sure actually [how I did it], I didn’t know what to do anymore on 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 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, so everything that comes next is a little bit easier.”

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

Leading a set and 4-2 in the pair's maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting, Van de Zandschulp appeared to be cruising to victory but Altmaier, the No. 88 in the PIF ATP Rankings, found a late burst of energy to ignite hopes of a comeback. Assisted by some inspired tennis, the German saved five match points a thrilling second-set tie-break before forcing a decider.

Despite the shift in momentum, Van de Zandschulp steadied himself to earn the opportunity to serve out the match at 5-3. Keeping with the theme of the clash, however, the Dutchman let slip four further match points before eventually sealing victory after two hours, 42 minutes on his 10th attempt. 

The Netherlands await either reigning Davis Cup champions Italy or Australia, who face off in the other semi-final on Saturday.

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