TATANBAYA/STARNBERG, February 2, 2024
After the first day of the Davis Cup Qualifiers between Germany and Hungary in a sold-out arena in Tatanbaya, the score is tied at 1-1. Dominik Koepfer secured 1-0 lead for the visitors with a 6-2, 7-6(4) win over Fabian Marozsan.
“I was a bit nervous at the beginning, which is normal in a Davis Cup match. But I made him run and forced him to play defensively,” said the 29-year-old Koepfer after his match. “The atmosphere was great; it was a lot of fun here!”
We’re almost ready to get underway here in Tatabanya 🇭🇺
As Hungary host Germany 💪#DavisCup | @HUNgarianTENNIS | @DTB_Tennis pic.twitter.com/TbHfg9pYcQ
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) February 2, 2024
Later in the afternoon, Jan-Lennard Struff lost the second singles rubber against Marton Fucsovics 6-3, 7-5 in one hour and 39 minutes.
“This is certainly not the result I had hoped for. I created a lot of break opportunities during the match, but with a zero percent conversion rate, it’s tough. I wasn’t as consistent on my own serve as usual,” said Struff.
For Germany’s team captain Michael Kohlmann, the current score hasn’t changed the overall situation: “I said before that these are 50:50 matches, and that’s what we’ve seen today. Dominik seized the opportunities that came his way, but unfortunately, Jan-Lennard didn’t. That’s why we have to be pleased with the 1-1 score and attack full force tomorrow.”
The decisive factor could then be Saturday’s doubles match. “As often is the case in the Davis Cup, the doubles rubber holds special significance. We have a good feeling about it and approach the match with confidence,” Kohlmann added.
Germany are bidding to reach the Davis Cup Finals for the fourth time. They hold a 3-1 record in qualifier ties, including a 5-0 victory against Hungary in 2019. Should Hungary advance, it would be their second trip to the Davis Cup Finals.
