Tomorrow, captain Johan van Herk’s team will begin the group stage of the Davis Cup Finals. Then the Belgians will play Australia from 2pm in Hamburg, Germany. The win means a big step towards the final stage in Malaga, Spain.
“In a group with Australia, Germany and France, it wouldn’t be obvious to the Belgians,” says de Haus. “We have to assume that the atmosphere of the group can take them to the next level.”
David Goffin, the only player in the Belgian squad in the top 100, is looking for his best. After the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, the Belgian No. 1 in Washington, Montreal, Cincinnati, Winston-Salem and at the US Open was eliminated immediately.
Can he restart the Davis Cup, winning 26 of his 30 singles matches? “As a player you need to win,” De House said. “No ten psychologists can compete with a win.”
“Hopefully the group atmosphere will give him a boost, but the Belgians will have to wait a little longer.”
And after the duel with the Australians, a clash with Germany in Group C will follow on Friday, which will undoubtedly cheer a huge crowd of fans in Am Rothenbaum. A day later, the date of the confrontation with France was set.
“Zverev will not play for Germany. This is a big loss. Australia is missing Nick Kyrgios, but with Alex de Minaur they have a strong player in the top 30. Australians are also fighting for their country.”
“France has ten players in the top 100. So it will not be easy to play in that group and advance to the final stage.”
The top two from each group will battle for the overall win in Malaga from November 22-27. “With the disappearance of Zverev, the chances of the Belgians increase, but it will not be easy,” he added.
“They should hope for a great performance, so coach Johan van Herk has a tough job to take his pool to the next level.”
The Belgian selection consists of David Goffin (ATP 62), Zizou Bergs (ATP 131), Michaël Geerts (ATP 265), Sander Gillé (ATP double 77) and Joran Vliegen (ATP double 89).
