When the going gets tough, you can count on Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz. Germany’s double remains undefeated in the Davis Cup and also gets the decisive point in Hamburg.
It has nothing to do with mystical cult. “There’s no secret recipe,” says professional tennis player Tim Putz. “It’s not like we smoke a voodoo pipe together, and thus win all the time.”
However, the 34-year-old, along with Kevin Krawetz, once again managed to lead the German Davis Cup team to victory. The narrow victory, which was by no means easy on Belgium’s nerves at Rothenbaum Stadium in Hamburg, was not just an old win. After all, German tennis men qualified early for the final tournament at the end of November without their injured superstar Alexander Zverev.
They don’t know how to lose
Krawietz/Pütz have played together seven times in the Davis Cup. They don’t know how to lose. And of course you want to know: why? “We’re being asked more and more about this,” says Pütz. “I hope we lose someday so that it stops.” And on the train there was an oath: “If we play 100 more times together, we will lose. I promise.”
From captain Michael Coleman’s view, the inevitable defeat would likely happen in a less important match. This undoubtedly includes Sunday’s final group game against the Australians, who also qualified for the final tournament. Pütz says he’s a little more relaxed now. However, his sweet partner Krawetz assures: “We are playing in front of a local crowd here in Germany and we will give everything again. After all, it’s still about winning the group.” Winning is always better than losing.
Perhaps the advantage of not being the first
Perhaps it would be smarter tactically on Sunday not to leave the field as a winner. Because as first in Group C, Germany will meet second in Group B. There are currently several indications that this could be Spain with world number one Carlos Alcaraz. After that, the final tournament will also be held in Malaga. On the other hand, as the second place in the group, Germany will have to face the winners of Group D, that is, the United States or the Netherlands, in the quarter-finals. At first glance, this is easier to read.
Krawitz can’t completely ignore this aspect either. “Maybe it’s the first advantage. Maybe not,” the 30-year-old said. If Canada beat Serbia in Valencia on Saturday night, it is clear that Spain could only come second and thus become a potential German opponent. The winners of Group D are already known as the United States meets the Netherlands.
Krawietz and Pütz can look at him in peace on their day off. They may spend time learning the secret of their success. Pütz still has an explanation: “We’re two good players, the prerequisite is there. We get along well. It might also be helpful if we don’t play together on the tour, it’s always something new.” (dpa)
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