Michael Kohlmann: Boris Becker is a very important part of the team

Germany's Davis Cup captain Michael Kohlmann says that Boris Becker, the Head of Men's Tennis at the DTB, is a very important part of the team, speaking ahead of Germany's Davis Cup tie against Belarus this weekend.

Speaking about the former three-time Wimbledon champion, Kohlmann says, "He always gives the boys this self-image, with which he dealt with pressure. He is a very important part of the team." 

The Germans will be without their top player Alexander Zverev this weekend. Kohlmann said he spoke to Zverev about playing against Belarus at the Australian Open in Melbourne in January. "And it quickly became clear that if he played Acapulco and Indian Wells, he would not be playing here." Kohlmann remains hopeful though that Zverev will be available for the Finals in Madrid. "We'll talk about Madrid if we are qualified."

Speaking about their current team players Jan-Lennard Struff and Philipp Kohlschreiber, Kohlmann says, "He (Struff) has a big presence on the court, he goes ahead, he never gives up, his attitude is absolutely exemplary. (Kohlschreiber) is an incredible team player, he brings a lot of energy and is a totally positive guy."

The other players on the team are last year's French Open winners Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies for the doubels and Dominik Koepfer is the fifth man in the team.

The winner of the Germany vs. Belarus tie will advance to the Davis Cup World Group Finals in Madrid in November.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/32Mo3sg