Zverevova zmaga: Nemčija se mora bati v Davisovem pokalu

Alexander Zverev, Germany's top tennis player, delivered a crucial victory for his team at the Davis Cup in Halle, Westphalia, on September 19, 2026. Zverev defeated Croatia's Matej Dodig in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (7:3), giving Germany a 1-0 lead in the second-round match against Croatia. However, the German team's advantage was quickly erased when Daniel Altmaier lost his singles match to Dino Prizmic, 4-6, 3-6, leaving the teams tied at 1-1 heading into Sunday's matches. Zverev, who recently won the US Open in New York, described his performance in Halle as challenging despite his recent success. He noted that playing under pressure after winning a major tournament was difficult, though he managed to maintain focus and deliver a solid performance against Dodig. “Matej played an incredible match,” Zverev said during a press conference. “I didn’t expect that from him.” The German team faces a tough challenge ahead, needing at least three wins in the best-of-five format to qualify for the final round in Bologna. The matches continue with a doubles contest featuring Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz against Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic, followed by two singles matches involving Zverev and Altmaier. Zverev's win marked his return to the Davis Cup for the first time since 2023. His family, including his mother Irina, girlfriend Sophia Thomalla, and daughter Mayla, were present in the stands, supporting him throughout the match. Zverev expressed gratitude for their presence, noting that Mayla wanted to watch her father play, which required the support of her mother and girlfriend. Despite the physical and mental demands of competing in consecutive grand slam tournaments, Zverev emphasized that he preferred being on the court over taking a vacation. “It would have been better if I stayed home for two weeks,” he said, “but I prefer this.” Croatia's Matej Dodig acknowledged the difficulty of facing Zverev, stating that he gave his best effort but was overwhelmed by nerves, leading to cramps in the second set. He praised Zverev for his encouragement and confidence in his future prospects. “He told me I will be among the top 20 players next year if I keep playing like this,” Dodig said. “That gives me strength.” Dino Prizmic, who secured the tie for Croatia with his win over Altmaier, credited his aggressive approach and the firm surface for his success. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and capitalizing on opportunities during critical moments in the match. Germany's chances of advancing to the final round remain intact, but the competition promises to be intense. The Davis Cup has not produced a German champion since 1993, and the team aims to make history by securing its fourth title. The upcoming matches will determine whether Germany can overcome the challenges posed by Croatia and advance to the final stage.