MÁLAGA — Alexander Zverev delivered a commanding performance on the court to propel Germany into the Davis Cup semi-finals, but his post-match comments were dominated by a complaint about the tournament's scheduling and format, with the world No. 7 stating plainly, 'It's sad.'
Zverev defeated Alexei Popyrin of Australia 6-4, 6-4 in a crucial singles rubber, leveling the tie after Thanasi Kokkinakis had stunned Jan-Lennard Struff in the opening match. The German team then sealed their spot in the final four with a hard-fought victory in the deciding doubles, as Kevin Krawietz and Tim Pütz defeated Max Purcell and Matthew Ebden 7-6(3), 6-7(4), 6-3. The victory sets up a semi-final clash with hosts and defending champions Spain.
A Victory Marred by Scheduling Discontent
Despite the team's success, Zverev's primary focus after his win was on the perceived shortcomings of the Davis Cup Finals structure. The tournament, which was radically overhauled in a partnership with investment group Kosmos—a deal that has since collapsed—has faced consistent criticism from players for its condensed, week-long format in Málaga, which they argue diminishes the historic home-and-away atmosphere that once defined the competition.
"We are here, we are playing," Zverev said. "But I don't think this is the Davis Cup anymore. The Davis Cup is the biggest competition we have in terms of team competitions that you can have. This is not the same."
He specifically lamented the sparse attendance at the Martín Carpena Palace, contrasting it with the electric crowds that were a hallmark of the traditional format played over multiple weekends throughout the year. "You see this court, it's an amazing court. It could have been full, it could have been packed," he stated, pointing to the empty seats. "It's sad to see."
The Core of Zverev's Complaint: A Lost Atmosphere
Zverev's critique extends beyond just the current year's event. He believes the fundamental soul of the competition has been stripped away, reducing a storied event to a shadow of its former self. His complaints echo a sentiment shared by many of his peers on the ATP Tour.
"The Davis Cup for me was the best competition we had, because it was home and away ties. You were playing for your country, you were playing in front of a home crowd, 15,000 people going crazy for five days, or you were playing away in somebody else's country where the crowd was also crazy, but against you. That was fun. That is not the same anymore."
The German star highlighted the stark difference in pressure and environment. He argued that the old format created unique, career-defining challenges that prepared players for the biggest stages in tennis, whereas the new neutral-venue finals lack that same intensity and national pride.
- "You had to perform under the highest pressure," he explained, recalling the old home-and-away ties.
- "You were playing in front of 15,000, 16,000 people that were screaming the whole time, that were against you."
- "That is a different pressure than playing here in front of, I don't know, a thousand people, maybe, that are very quiet."
A Glimmer of Hope and the Path Forward for Germany
Despite his vocal dissatisfaction with the tournament's structure, Zverev's on-court focus was unwavering. His straight-sets victory over Popyrin was a display of controlled power and experience, neutralizing the Australian's big serve and forehand to keep German hopes alive after Struff's surprising loss.
The subsequent doubles victory was a testament to German teamwork and resilience. Krawietz and Pütz, a specialist doubles pairing, held their nerve in a tense, high-quality match against the accomplished Australian duo, saving critical break points and ultimately dominating the third set to send their nation into the semi-finals.
With the win, Germany remains on track for its first Davis Cup title since 1993. The team will now face a formidable Spanish squad, led by the young phenom Carlos Alcaraz, in a tie that promises to be a blockbuster affair, regardless of Zverev's feelings about the venue.
An Ongoing Debate in the World of Tennis
Zverev is far from alone in his criticism. The Kosmos-driven revamp of the Davis Cup has been a point of contention since its inception. While intended to make the event more streamlined and financially lucrative for national federations, many players and fans argue it has sacrificed the very elements that made it special.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is now tasked with steering the competition's future following the end of the Kosmos partnership. The governing body has already made some adjustments, such as reintroducing the best-of-five-set matches in the final, but the core week-long, neutral-venue finals format remains a significant sticking point for the tour's top stars.
Zverev's comments add significant weight to this ongoing debate. As one of the most prominent and successful players of his generation, his public stance puts pressure on the ITF to consider further reforms. "I hope that the ITF and everybody involved can make it right again," he concluded.
Conclusion: Triumph Tempered by Truth
Alexander Zverev leaves Málaga having accomplished his primary goal: leading his country deep into the Davis Cup Finals. His powerful singles performance was a key ingredient in Germany's quarter-final victory over a tough Australian team.
Yet, his willingness to speak candidly about the tournament's flaws underscores a deeper issue within the sport. For players like Zverev, winning the Davis Cup would represent the pinnacle of a team career, but that achievement, he fears, will feel diminished if the competition continues to lack the passion, atmosphere, and unique challenges that once defined it. His victory on the scoreboard was clear, but his lament for the state of the historic tournament serves as a powerful reminder of what has been lost.