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Kevin Krawietz (left) and Tim Pütz lose in the decisive doubles
Photo: Fran Santiago/Getty Images
The German Davis Cup team has to wait for its first title since 1993 in the prestigious nations competition.
The team of national coach Michael Kohlmann, who started without the injured top player Alexander Zverev, lost 1: 2 to co-favorites Canada in the quarter-finals despite strong resistance.
"It was tight and of course it's a bitter defeat for us," said Kohlmann, who saw Kevin Krawietz/Tim Pütz 6:2, 3:6, 3:6 against Vasek Pospisil/Denis Shapovalov in the decisive duel on the green hard court had to.
"Like the German national soccer team: they play unbelievably up to the 60th minute, but lose in the end," Krawietz summed it up.
Germany had previously celebrated 15 double wins in a row in the team competition.
The strong point from Jan-Lennard Struff with a 6: 3, 4: 6, 7: 6 (7: 2) against Shapovalov was not enough in the end, Oscar Otte had to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime, sixth in the world rankings, 6: 7 (1: 7 ), beaten 4:6.
Struff and Otte convince
Kohlmann had announced something "extraordinary" for the team competition in Andalusia's coastal town - and should not be disappointed at first.
The "sensational team dynamics" often invoked in the last few days released the hoped-for extra power, at least for Struff.
Even before the first rally, he formed a circle with his teammates arm in arm.
The confidence of the German team was clearly noticeable despite the clear outsider role.
Struff started the encounter with a 5:3 record in a direct comparison against Denis Shapovalov.
Otte with the feeling that Felix Auger-Aliassime was on the verge of defeat in October.
As with the successes in the group phase in September, Struff surpassed himself in the Davis Cup.
»Our team spirit makes it so special to play for Germany.
That motivates me even more, "said Struff after he had given away a match ball in the decision set at 5: 3 and later at 5: 4.
"It was very difficult to stay mentally calm but also to keep the pressure on," continued the 32-year-old, whose season was marred by a two-month foot injury.
Otte also played one of the best matches since his knee operation in summer against Auger-Aliassime in summer temperatures.
The Canadian high-flyer of the past few weeks caused significantly more problems than many had suspected at 6: 7 (1: 7), 4: 6.
But in the end it wasn't enough.
ast/dpa/sid
