What will the Netherlands do for an encore following its Davis Cup Finals upset of Spain on Tuesday? We will find out when the Dutch squad takes the court against Germany for semifinal action in Malaga on Friday afternoon.
Tallon Griekspoor (NED) vs. Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)
Griekspoor and Struff will be going head-to-head for the second time in their careers when they clash in the Netherlands vs. Germany Davis Cup semifinal tie on Friday. Their only previous encounter came three years ago in round one of the U.S. Open, where Griekspoor survived a 2-6, 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 thriller.
The world No. 40 lost to Carlos Alcaraz in Tuesday’s quarterfinals, but the Dutch bounced back to win the decisive doubles rubber against Spain. Griekspoor figures to have an easier test against Struff, who is just 4-6 in his last 10 matches. The German did well to defeat Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(5) during a sweep of Canada on Wednesday, but it was an error-strewn match for both guys. Griekspoor is a great indoor player and should have a slight edge in this one.
Pick: Griekspoor in 3
Botic van de Zandschulp (NED) vs. Daniel Altmaier (GER)
Van de Zandschulp was playing so poorly earlier this season that he considered retiring from tennis following a French Open loss to Fabio Fognini. It looks like he made a good decision not to. Van de Zandschulp enjoyed what was surely the best day of his professional life earlier this week in Malaga when he led the Netherlands past Spain while ending Rafael Nadal’s career. Not only did he beat Nadal in straight sets in singles, but he also teamed up with Wesley Koolhof to win the doubles rubber.
Up next for the world No. 80 is a first-ever meeting with Altmaier. Quarterfinal competition also went well for the 88th-ranked German, who knocked off Canada’s Gabriel Diallo 7-6(5), 6-4. Unfortunately for Altmaier, he is still a horrendous 13-22 on the main tour in 2024 and would much rather face Van de Zandschulp on clay. Altmaier has won 29 indoor hard-court matches in his career; Van de Zandschulp has won 92. Count on the Dutchman’s momentum continuing.
Pick: Van de Zandschulp in 2
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