INNSBRUCK/STARNBERG, November 30, 2021

Germany has advanced to the semi-finals of the Davis Cup for the first time since 2007. The team of captain Michael Kohlmann edged past Great Britain 2-1 on Tuesday evening in Innsbruck, Austria.

Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz completed Germany’s comeback, defeating Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski 7-6(10), 7-6(5) to secure the tie.

The Germans rallied from 5-0 down in the tie-break of the second set, reeling off seven points in a row to end Great Britain’s run and seal their spot in the last four after two hours and two minutes.

What. A. Finish!

Germany clinches its spot in the semifinals, defeating Great Britain in dramatic 7-6(10), 7-6(5) fashion.#DavisCupFinals #byRakuten pic.twitter.com/TPsFi4SKH6

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 30, 2021

“I think just great persistency. I thought it was pretty high level, playing point by point, and here we are,” said Puetz.

“I am super happy that we’re going to Madrid. The box was unbelievably loud – it pushed us a lot and super happy to make it to the semi-finals,” Krawietz added.

The duo also won the decisive doubles rubbers in their Group F ties against Serbia and Austria to secure Germany’s spot in the quarterfinals.

Evans too strong for Gojowczyk

Earlier in the day, Daniel Evans cruised past Peter Gojowczyk 6-2, 6-1 in the first singles rubber. It took just 55 minutes to wrap up victory for the 31-year-old Englishman and give Great Britain a 1-0 lead, with Evans making just three unforced errors compared to 16 from the German.

“I didn’t play great the other day and decided to stay cross court a lot of the match and give myself a big opportunity,” said Evans.

“I worked hard and that was the story of the match – make him take the ball down the line.

“Probably the best tennis I played all year- I didn’t feel good this morning. I saw Peter warming up and going into the food area – I had an idea [he would be playing].

“It’s difficult – I don’t want to say it should be changed but I think something could be done about changing the team the hour before, because it’s not the best preparation.”

Struff rallies past Norrie

Jan-Lennard Struff leveled the tie for Germany, fighting past Cameron Norrie 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-2. The World No. 51 from Warstein struck nine aces and won 72 per cent of his first-service points to prevail after two hours and two minutes.

“I’m very happy the way I played today, Cam Norrie is a very tough competitor, who is fighting very hard. The court is very bouncy and his spin-balls are very hard to play,” said Struff.

“The victory is very important for us now, one-all.

“It’s tough – I had the feeling I had to put the pressure on him – I made it today.”

Kohlmann leads Germany’s campaign