Davis Cup: Zverev puts Germany ahead; South Korea makes Asian history

Alexander Zverev beat Matej Dodig in straight sets to give Germany a 1-0 lead over Croatia in its Davis Cup qualifier. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Alexander Zverev gave Germany a 1-0 lead over Croatia in the final qualifying round for the Davis Cup Final 8 after beating Matej Dodig 6-4, 7-6(3) in Halle on Saturday.

The match marked Zverev’s first appearance since his victory over American Ben Shelton in the US Open final last weekend. The 29-year-old German had also claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open in June.

World No. 2 Zverev struck 15 aces and was rarely troubled on the indoor hard court, with Dodig failing to earn a single break-point opportunity.

Daniel Altmaier was due to face Dino Prizmic in the second singles match later on Saturday. The doubles and reverse singles will be played on Sunday, with the winner of the best-of-five tie advancing to the Final 8 in Bologna in November.

In Prague, the United States moved 2-1 ahead of the Czech Republic after Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek defeated Adam Pavlasek and Patrik Riki 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(8) in the doubles.

Shelton will have the opportunity to clinch the tie for the United States when he faces Jakub Mensik in the reverse singles. The American had lost to Jiri Lehecka on Friday as the Czech Republic levelled the contest at 1-1.

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Austria also secured its place in the Final 8 after Jurij Rodionov defeated Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 7-6, 6-3 to give the host an unassailable 3-1 lead in Vienna.

Austria had won the doubles earlier on Saturday after the teams split the two opening singles matches on Friday.

South Korea makes Asian history

South Korea became the first Asian nation to qualify for the Davis Cup Final 8 after completing a 3-1 victory over India.

The South Koreans had come from a set down in both singles matches on Friday to establish a 2-0 advantage.

India kept the tie alive by winning the doubles on Saturday, but Soonwoo Kwon then beat Sumit Nagal 6-1, 6-2 in the first reverse singles to seal South Korea’s progression.