Germany captain speaks on Alexander Zverev's potential Davis Cup return

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Germany Davis Cup team captain Michael Kohlmann feels his team can contend for the Davis Cup title and added that having Alexander Zverev would increase their chances of winning the title. Germany was without world No. 3 Zverev at last year's Davis Cup Finals but still made their first semifinal in the competition since 2007.

Germany is set to battle Brazil in a qualifying tie next month and Zverev won't be representing his country. “I think last year we showed that our team is really dangerous,” Kohlmann said, per the Davus Cup website.

“The doubles obviously is a big part in this competition. Once you are feeling really comfortable in the doubles, you only have to win one singles. That’s kind of in your mind and in the mind of your opponents. “I think once we get maybe Sascha Zverev into the team I think we would add another piece for this puzzle and we might be even closer for the title.

Last year we felt we were close, and we want to give us another opportunity to get even closer”.

Germany will have to do it without Zverev

Kohlmann nominated Jan-Lennard Struff, Oscar Otte, Daniel Altmaier, Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz for the Brazil tie.

“It’s going to be a tough trip, a tough tie against Brazil,” Kohlmann admitted. “We are preparing ourselves for a good home crowd. We are expecting a lot of spectators. Tough crowd. South America is always a little bit special.

I think we should be aware that we have to bring on our best to get through to the qualification groups. “I think the only player in our team who was there competing at the Olympic Games in Rio was Jan Lennard Struff, so he knows what to expect a little bit.

On the other hand it’s always great to have a great stadium court, to have a really nice venue, for a tie like this”.