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Match Report
Botic converts 10th MP to give Netherlands advantage over Germany in Davis Cup SF
29-year-old defeats Altmaier to put Netherlands 1-0 up vs. Germany
November 22, 2024
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Botic van de Zandschulp in action at the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8.
By ATP Staff
Botic van de Zandschulp was forced to take the scenic route, but did so in dramatic fashion to put the Netherlands on the cusp of history at the Davis Cup Final 8.
The 29-year-old outlasted Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6-7(12), 6-3 Friday to give Netherlands a 1-0 advantage over Germany in their semi-final tie in Malaga. If the Dutchmen can prevail, they will reach the title showdown for the first time in their 104-year history in the competition.
“I’m not sure actually [how I did it], I didn’t know what to do anymore on those match points,” said Van de Zandschulp, who improved to 2-0 in singles this week after his quarter-final win over Rafael Nadal on Tuesday. “In the second set, I had 4-2 15-40, I felt like if I had made the double break there, it would be game, set and match. In the tie-break, he handled some of the match points quite well, actually.
“I had the toughest match of my life on Tuesday, so everything that comes next is a little bit easier.”
10 Match points and 2 hours and 42 minutes later.. @Boticvdz pulls through an epic battle against Altmaier 6-4 6-7(12) 6-4!@DavisCup | #DavisCup | @knltbtennispic.twitter.com/cq2M5f4jVg
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 22, 2024
Leading a set and 4-2 in the pair’s maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting, Van de Zandschulp appeared to be cruising to victory but Altmaier, the No. 88 in the PIF ATP Rankings, found a late burst of energy to ignite hopes of a comeback. Assisted by some inspired tennis, the German saved five match points a thrilling second-set tie-break before forcing a decider.
Despite the shift in momentum, Van de Zandschulp steadied himself to earn the opportunity to serve out the match at 5-3. Keeping with the theme of the match, however, the Dutchman let slip four further match points before eventually sealing victory after two hours, 42 minutes on his 10th attempt.
Tallon Griekspoor will look to confirm the Netherlands’ spot in the final when he takes on Jan-Lennard Struff. If the German can force a deciding doubles rubber, Wesley Koolhof, who is retiring at the end of the tournament, will partner Van de Zandschulp against Nitto ATP Finals champions Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz.
The winner of the tie will await either reigning Davis Cup champions Italy or Australia, who face off in the other semi-final on Saturday.