Zverev, Shelton Return to Davis Cup Action After US Open Final
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
NEW YORK: US Open champion Alexander Zverev is set to return to action this weekend as Germany take on Croatia in the Davis Cup qualifying round, while American Ben Shelton will also feature for the United States just days after reaching the US Open final.
World No. 2 Zverev defeated Shelton in four sets in Sunday’s US Open final to claim his second Grand Slam title of the season, following his French Open triumph in June.
The German is now aiming to help his country win the Davis Cup for the first time since 1993. Germany must first overcome Croatia in a second-round qualifying tie scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Halle.
Seven teams will secure places in the Davis Cup Finals, joining hosts and three-time defending champions Italy in Bologna in November.
Zverev acknowledged that his coaching team preferred him to take a break after the US Open but said he wanted to represent Germany.
Germany will enter the tie with Croatia as favourites, with veteran Marin Cilic and young player Dino Prizmic among Croatia’s main players. Croatia last reached the Davis Cup Finals in 2023.
Germany narrowly missed out on the title last year after Tim Puetz and Kevin Krawietz lost the deciding doubles match against Spain in the semi-finals.
Shelton Faces Strong Czech Challenge
The United States, who have won the Davis Cup a record 32 times, will meet the Czech Republic in Prague on Friday and Saturday.
The Americans are seeking their first title since 2007, but will be without Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul after both players withdrew from the squad.
Their replacements are rising American player Learner Tien and world No. 104 Martin Damm.
The Czech team includes French Open semi-finalist Jakub Mensik, Jiri Lehecka, Tomas Machac and Vit Kopriva. Former player Tomas Berdych is serving as captain.
The tie is a repeat of last year’s second-round qualifier, when the Czech Republic defeated the United States 3-2 in Delray Beach.
Shelton, now ranked fourth in the world, will be expected to play a key role for the American team following his run to the US Open final.
Other Davis Cup Qualifiers
South Korea will face India in Seoul, with the winner becoming the first Asian team to reach the Davis Cup quarter-finals since Kazakhstan in 2021.
Spain will play Chile in Santiago, with 19-year-old Rafael Jodar set to make his Davis Cup debut for Spain.
Britain will host Ecuador in London, while Austria will face Belgium.
Canada and France will meet in Quebec City, with Felix Auger-Aliassime and Arthur Fils among the players expected to feature.
The second-round qualifiers will determine the remaining teams joining Italy for the eight-team Davis Cup Finals in November.
