Tim Puetz and Jan-Lennard Struff won a thrilling doubles clash yesterday to give Germany a 2-1 lead after the second day of their World Group Davis Cup tie against Australia in Brisbane.
The German duo silenced the big crowd at Pat Rafter Arena as they overcame John Peers and Matthew Ebden 6-4, 6-7 (1/7), 6-2, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 in just over three-and-a-quarter hours.
The Germans made a late switch to their doubles team, bringing in Struff for Peter Gojowcyzk.
Photo: AFP
Struff played alongside Puetz in the World Group playoffs against Portugal last year, when they also won in five sets.
He also made the semi-finals of the Australian Open in doubles last month.
However, it was the lesser known Puetz who shone on a gloomy Brisbane afternoon.
The 30-year-old, who is ranked 140 in the world in doubles and 293 in singles, was the more solid of the German pairing, his beautifully disguised forehand constantly causing the Australians trouble.
“He’s in their team for a reason — they’re a world class team and we know to expect the best from them,” Ebden said.
German captain Michael Kohlmann said he had had a good feeling about the match once he knew Australia had not decided to bring Nick Kyrgios in for Ebden.
“In my mind they [Peers and Ebden] hadn’t played together before, or not a lot, and I knew my guys know each other pretty well,” he said. “In Davis Cup it’s not only about the tennis, it’s also about how you put your emotions together, how you connect.”
“And in this I had a feeling that my guys would connect better together,” Kohlmann said.
The tie will now hinge on today’s first reverse singles between Kyrgios and world No. 5 Alexander Zverev.
“We are in a good position, 2-1 up, but we know it’s not all over,” Kohlmann said. “I think that if Nick, is on, if he’s feeling it, he’s tough to play for everyone, not just Sascha [Zverev].”
“If he’s serving like he did on Friday [when he blasted 21 aces past Struff] he’s a tough opponent for everyone. I guess that Nick is not orthodox, not a rhythm player. That makes it difficult for Sascha,” Kohlmann said. “But tomorrow is a different circumstance — Sascha doesn’t have the pressure to deliver at 1-2.”
“Being 2-1 up might change the mental game and the mental game right now is pretty big,” he added.
If Kyrgios can level the tie, the decider will likely be between Struff, the world No. 58, and 18-year-old Alex de Minaur, ranked 81 places below the German.
De Minaur pushed Zverev for almost four hours in Friday’s first singles match, but Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt said he had no intention of replacing him with Brisbane’s John Millman, who always plays well on his home court.
“We’re a long way from beaten,” Hewitt said. “Tomorrow’s going to be a big day, but the boys are looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, Hurgry’s Timea Babos beat China’s Yafan Wang 6-3, 6-4 at the WTA International, Taiwan Open Women’s Singles semi-final yesterday, while Ukrainian Kateryna Kozlova beat Germany’s Sabine Lisicki 7-5, 6-4.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely