World number three Alexander Zverev led Germany into the Davis Cup semi-finals on Thursday, anchoring a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Argentina in a tie decided by a dramatic doubles match.
The crucial win sets up a semi-final clash with Spain on Saturday.
Germany’s campaign in Bologna started with a setback after Argentina’s Tomas Etcheverry delivered a commanding serve-and-volley performance, firing 23 aces to defeat Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (9-7) in a tight two-set battle.
Zverev, the only top-10 singles player in the quarter-finals, steadied the ship for Germany. While not at his fluent best, he overcame world number 21 Francisco Cerundolo 6-4 7-6 (7-3) to level the tie and force a decisive doubles rubber.
The German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz then clinched the victory in a nail-biting contest, saving three match points in a final-set tie-break to defeat Horacio Zeballos and Andres Molteni 4-6 6-4 7-6 (12-10).
The Argentines were left to regret their missed chances after failing to convert three match points in the climactic tie-break, while the Germans also squandered four match points of their own before finally sealing the win.
“We are really happy that we fought hard for all of the team. We believed and here we are in the semi-finals,” said an emotional Puetz after the match. “Last year was difficult for us but we know this competition is very difficult. We have a strong team and we are still alive.”
Germany have not reached the final of the Davis Cup since they last won the title in 1993.