(September 13, 2025) ITF – Germany were the first to book their tickets to Bologna with a 4-0 win over Japan in Tokyo which came thanks to victories for doubles pair Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz, and 17-year-old debutant Justin Engel.
Jurij Rodionov was the hero for Austria as his decisive singles win over Marton Fucsovics in Debrecen sealed a thrilling 3-2 victory and a Final 8 berth for his country.
Andres Molteni and Horacio Zeballos confirmed Argentina’s place with a 6-3 7-5 doubles victory over Sander Arends and Botic van de Zandschulp in Groningen where the tie finished 3-1 to the visitors.
In Osijek, Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic gave Croatia hope of a famous comeback with doubles victory over Benjamin Bonzi and Pierre Hugues Herbert. However, Davis Cup debutant Corentin Moutet finished the job for France with a 7-5 6-4 triumph over Marin Cilic that clinched the tie 3-1.
Elsewhere, Belgium enjoyed a dream start to their tie against Australia, taking a 2-0 lead on day one in Sydney thanks to sensational victories from Raphael Collignon and Zizou Bergs over Alex de Minaur and Jordan Thompson respectively. Day two in Sydney begins at 0400 BST on Sunday.
In the other tie to start on Saturday, Denmark lead hosts Spain 2-0 after singles wins for Holger Rune and Elmer Moeller. Day two action in Marbella begins at 1030 BST on Sunday.
Day two in the USA and Czechia tie in Delray Beach, Florida begins at 1900 BST with the score at 1-1. There are a further 13 World Group I ties and 13 World Group II ties taking place across the world this weekend.
TODAY’S QUOTES
Michael Kohlmann (Germany Captain): “In the beginning of the year we set our goal to get to Bologna…with this victory first of all we achieved this goal. We are looking forward to Bologna and hopefully we’re getting one step further.”
Horacio Zeballos (Argentina): “What can I say? This is so emotional. I mean we played a great match. Our opponents are really good players and they fought until the end. We are so happy, we played two really tough matches away. This is a great dream for us, the whole of Argentina, the people who came here. You see us the team, but you see so many people outside working hard. This is for them.”
Steve Darcis (Belgium Captain): “We always have great players and this is unbelievable I think for a small country like ours. We have so many players who love to play Davis Cup. For me this is really amazing. We are still very far. Okay it is 2-0 but the way is very long. First we have to focus on the doubles. If the doubles doesn’t work, maybe we can focus on the second singles but I want to first prepare the doubles.”
Jurij Rodionov (Austria): “It’s a dream. It was a really good moment to play the best tennis of my life. I am over the moon and thankful fo the whole team. When we started with a 2-0 lead I didn’t want to play. I wanted the doubles players to win and go home but it is what it is. I’m happy that I made the difference. I’m happy that we can go to Bologna.”
