Zverev beats Wawrinka to level the tie against Switzerland after Day 1
ATP
Switzerland and Germany met in probably the most-anticipated clash of the 2023 Davis Cup Qualifiers, and Alexander Zverev tied the score after Day 1.
The fourth-seeded Germany is the host of this tie, which is held at the Arena Trier in Trier, Germany. It's played on a hard indoor court, and both teams have a lot of experience and certainly deserve a spot at the 2023 Davis Cup Finals.
But the draw made them face off already in the Qualifiers and so one has to be eliminated. In the first match of the tie, Oscar Otte, representing Germany, took on Marc-Andrea Huesler, who represented Switzerland.
The German started much better, winning the first set 6-2. However, Huesler managed to come back and win the match 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 in exactly two hours.
The highest-ranked German, Alexander Zverev, then had to take on three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. Zverev played a good match and was very solid on his serve.
But both players made a lot of unforced errors, while they hit only 13 and 12 winners, respectively. On the other hand, Zverev made 22 unforced errors, while his opponent made 30 as both wanted to win a crucial point for their country.
Eventually, Zverev was the better player and won the match 6-4, 6-1 in an hour and 36 minutes to level the score of the tie to 1-1.
On Saturday, both players will have a chance to help their countries again as Zverev will meet Huesler and Wawrinka will play against Otte unless either of the captains changes their nomination.
The action on Saturday will start with a doubles match, and if Germany wins it, Zverev will have a chance to secure the tie for his country, as he will play in the fourth match of this tie.
