Struff withstands Shapovalov’s ace barrage, books Germany's Davis Cup SF spot

A pair of crucial tie-break sets bookended a dramatic quarter-final tie on Wednesday at the Davis Cup Final 8, where Germany moved past Canada 2-0 in Malaga.

Jan-Lennard Struff overcame Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(5) to earn the winning point for Germany, which reached its first Davis Cup semi-final since 2021. The No. 43 in the PIF ATP Rankings Struff prevailed in a two-hour, seven-minute battle despite Canada’s Shapovalov firing 27 aces.

Earlier, Daniel Altmaier edged Gabriel Diallo in a 75-minute opening set en route to a 7-6(5), 6-4 triumph.

“Denis was playing amazing, coming out firing,” said Struff, who had served for the match at 5-4 in the third set. “It was a very tough match. He was serving so well. It was incredible. Second serves at like 180 km/h. It was tough to return. The court is very fast.

“I had my chance [in the third set]. I broke him and served for the match. I didn’t play the best game, but he was there and hit some winners. Even in the tie-break, I went up 4/3 and he then he hit a forehand winner. An incredible match… I’m just happy to get over the line at the end.”

STRUFF GETS IT DONE! ??@Struffitennis seals the tie for Team Germany after a remarkable comeback against Shapovalov! ?@DavisCup | #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/0DSurVrDgg

Germany faces a big European derby in its semi-final on Friday, when it will take on the Netherlands.

“It will be amazing,” said Struff of the Netherlands tie. “It’s a big step for us to go from the quarters to the semis. For sure we want to win and go to the final now. Netherlands played an amazing match yesterday beating Spain here in front of a home crowd. So we expect a very tough opponent. Germany and the Netherlands is a little bit of a rivalry. We will try everything. They have amazing fans as well, so looking forward to the match on Friday.”

Captain Michael Kohlmann was delighted as his team moved one step further forward in its bid for its fourth Davis Cup crown, and its first since 1993.

“I think if Daniel had lost that first set of the day, the tie was a completely different one,” reflected Kohlmann on Altmaier’s opening win. “Daniel was up a break, lost his serve again straightaway and had so many chances in the set, but couldn’t convert. I think to win it in the end was key for that match.”

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