Botic Van de Zandschulp continues to be sweet and leads the Netherlands in SF (1-0) | ATP Tour

Davis Cup

Van de Zandschulp continues to be sweet and leads the Netherlands in SF (1-0)

The Dutchman beat Altmaier in the first point of the tie against Germany

November 22, 2024

The Netherlands is just one point away from assuming the role of revelation team of this edition of the Davis Cup. Very few expected that at this stage of the competition they would be so close to qualifying for the final next Sunday, November 24.

This Friday, Botic van de Zandschulp helped bring his country closer to the final, after winning at the Martín Carperna Pavilion in Malaga in a dramatic duel in which he needed 10 match points against the German Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6 -7(12), 6-3 in two hours and 41 minutes.

The No. 80 in the PIF ATP Rankings continues its sweet status this week. After leading his team, defeating Rafael Nadal last Tuesday in the last match of his career, this Friday he opened the series against Germany again, giving his team the point.

It was the first time that the Lexus ATP Head2Head recorded a confrontation between Van de Zandschulp and Altmaier. And the balance tipped in favor of the Dutch hitter, in a match in which he managed to enjoy five match points in the tie-break of the second set.

Van de Zandschulp exhibited a very solid version with his serve in the first set and took advantage of his advantage at 4-4, 15/40 to sign the first break and close with his serve (6-4). Everything seemed like a favorable wind for the Dutchman who dominated 4-6, 2-4, 15/40, but Altmaier resisted with dedication, heart and a lot of hard work.

Not only did he rescue the break against him, but he forced a heart-stopping tie-break, in which he escaped from 5 MP and needed 4 set points to reach third. However, the impassive Dutchman got two more breaks (4/10 in total) to leave the victory on his side, yes, working the victory on his tenth match point.

The Netherlands, which has never made it past the semi-finals in the tournament (2001, 2024), is one victory away from reaching the final round for the first time in the competition’s 104-year history.

Next, Tallon Griekspoor will try to give his team a ticket, while Jan-Lennard Struff will try to give life to Germany and play for the pass in the decisive doubles.