‘Impressive’ Germany sweep past Chile in Davis Cup

PARIS: Germany swept past Chile to keep their perfect record after two ties in the Davis Cup group stage finals on Thursday.

Despite the absence of their top four players, including world number two Alexander Zverev, the Germans dominated their Group C tie 3-0 in Zhuhai, China. The group also includes the United States and Slovakia.

“Before our first match we said ´okay we need six matches out of nine´,” said Germany captain Michael Kohlmann. Germany also beat Slovakia 3-0 on Tuesday. “Now we have won six out of six. I think that´s pretty impressive.”

Maximilian Marterer, ranked 104, and 96th-ranked Yannick Hanfmann won their singles ties in straight sets. Marterer beat Tomas Barrios Vera and Hanfmann eased past 22nd-ranked Alejandro Tabilo 7-5, 6-4.

In the doubles, Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz then teamed up to beat Barrios Vera and Matias Soto 6-1, 6-3. “Our singles guys did a phenomenal job,” said Puetz. “Having won two ties 3-0, I think we´re in pretty good shape.”

Germany will next play the United States, 32-time champions, on Saturday. Chile who lost 3-0 to the United States on Wednesday play Slovakia on Sunday. Later on Thursday, the Netherlands play Brazil in Bologna, Italy in Group A, with Australia up against the Czech Republic in Group B in Valencia, Spain.

In Manchester, England, Canada play Finland in Group D. The top two nations in each of the four groups in the round robin competition will qualify for the eight-team final in Malaga, Spain, on November 19-24.