Hamburg.

After the Davis Cup Sovereigns group stage, team boss Michael Coleman sees a major challenge in the quarter-finals of Canada.

“They have two world-class players, Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime,” the 48-year-old said. “It’s definitely a tough job when they’re at their best. But we don’t need to hide. We’ve shown that we can win against the big teams.” In addition, he does not believe that Canada will compete with the best team. Germany will face North America in the eighth final in Malaga on November 24th.

The German tennis men had mastered the group stage in Hamburg undefeated even without their superstar Alexander Zverev, who injured his foot. Perhaps they will have to dispense with the 25-year-old in Spain as well. “Sasha has made a few visits to the doctor, but the exact treatment instructions may not have been there yet,” Coleman said. “He has to rest now.” Zverev himself has spoken of a multi-week hiatus, so the Davis Cup final will likely come very early.

Coleman also called for a change in the lottery rule. It was clear this year before the group stage which opponents you would meet if you were successful. “You definitely have to stop that,” Coleman said. “Several countries have already said that and I think that made it to the ITF.” The draw for the quarter-finals shall only be made when the teams have been determined.