The draw for the knockout stage of the 2024 Davis Cup Finals has been made, and all the ties promise to be great viewing.
The knockout stage of the team event is held from November 19th to 21st at the Martin Carpena Arena in Malaga, Spain. It is the final event for men's players before the end of the season.
Some top players were missing from the Davis Cup group stage, which was held the week after the US Open. The men's singles champion at Flushing Meadows, Jannik Sinner, was one of those not to compete.
Fortunately for Team Spain, Carlos Alcaraz was available. The world No. 3's shocking second-round exit at the US Open to Botic van de Zandschulp meant he had plenty of time to prepare for the Davis Cup Group Stage.
Alcaraz helped Spain win their opening two group matches to qualify before their tie against Australia. He skipped the final tie against the Australians to get some rest before the Laver Cup.
Team Spain's reward for reaching the knockout stage is a quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands. That could lead to Alcaraz facing van de Zandschulp for the first time since their US Open meeting.
The Dutch team should not be taken lightly. They are in the quarterfinals for a reason, and van de Zandschulp's stunning success against Alcaraz in New York will make them believe an upset is possible.
However, the Spaniards will be hopeful of getting two singles wins to progress to the semifinals. That puts pressure on Alcaraz and whoever is chosen for the other singles match to deliver.
Team Netherlands will be happy to get one singles win to keep the tie alive for the doubles because they have Grand Slam champions Wesley Koolhof and Jean-Julien Rojer in their team, who present a threat to the Spaniards.
Spanish captain David Ferrer has not ruled out picking Rafael Nadal for the Davis Cup Knockout Stages. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has barely played in two because of injuries, but he is still trying to make a comeback.
If Spain overcomes the Dutch team, it will play Germany or Canada in the semifinals. Germany's chances could heavily depend on whether Alexander Zverev competes in Malaga. He did not play in the group stage after losing in the US Open quarterfinal.
Team Italy has been drawn against Argentina. The other Italian players did an excellent job of managing without Sinner in the Group Stage to make it to the knockout stage in Malaga.
Nonetheless, Sinner's teammates undoubtedly hope he returns in November. It has been a long season for the world No. 1, but the energy of playing for his country could give him the energy boost he needs.
Team USA is set to battle Australia in the remaining quarterfinal. Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt is not a fan of the current Davis Cup format, calling it ridiculous. But he will need to put those concerns aside for their tough tie against the Americans.
2024 Davis Cup Final 8 Knockout Stage Draw:
| Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|
| Italy | Argentina |
| USA | Australia |
| Germany | Canada |
| Netherlands | Spain |
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