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The Netherlands' Davis Cup Journey: From Underdogs to Finalists

2024-11-22

Getty Images has been at the forefront of capturing the thrilling moments of the Netherlands' Davis Cup adventure. BBC Sport journalist Emily Salley takes us through the nail-biting matches and the team's remarkable journey. Three hours ago, the Netherlands reached the final of the Davis Cup for the first time. Tallon Griekspoor fought back to win his singles match and secure a 2-0 victory against Germany. Botic van de Zandschulp had already put the Dutch team 1-0 up by defeating Daniel Altmaier in the first singles match. The world number 80 needed 10 match points to clinch a tense 6-4 6-7 (12-14) 6-3 win. Griekspoor then stopped the best-of-three tie from going to a deciding doubles by surging back from a set down to overcome Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-4. "We believed in ourselves so much, we always felt this was possible so to do it now feels unbelievable," said Griekspoor. The Netherlands will face defending champions Italy led by world number one Jannik Sinner or Australia in Sunday's final. "It's more unique that we do it because we don't have that top-five player, we don't have that top-10 player, we don't have that top-15 player – but it's a team effort," Netherlands captain Paul Haarhuis said. "We have to believe in ourselves, whoever is against us, that we can do it. It's our time this year. We're here and we're going to make it count."

Van de Zandschulp's Heroics After the 'Toughest Match of Life'

There was an electric atmosphere when Van de Zandschulp faced 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal. Some of his first-serve misses were cheered by the partisan crowd, but he remained focused. No longer the villain, there was still tension as Altmaier fought back from a break down in the second set and saved five match points in a 26-point tie-break to force a deciding set. But Van de Zandschulp struck the decisive blow, breaking at 4-3 in the third and holding his nerve to brush off a series of double faults and serve out the win at the 10th time of asking. "I had the toughest match of my life on Tuesday so everything that comes next maybe is a little bit easier," Van de Zandschulp said. In a closely-fought second singles match, neither player faced a break point in the opening set. It was Struff who upped the intensity and won the resulting tie-break. However, Griekspoor battled back, and his serve proved crucial as he sealed victory with his 25th ace. It meant Van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof, who is set to retire after the Davis Cup, were not called to action for the deciding doubles. "It has been an incredible journey over the last 15 or 20 years of playing tennis. I did it with a lot of passion," Koolhof said as his career was celebrated with a retirement ceremony after the Netherlands' win. "We're not done, I'm not done. We still have a few days to go and hopefully we can make something special happen here."

Tennis and the Netherlands' Davis Cup Success

Tennis has always been a sport that captivates audiences around the world, and the Netherlands' success in the Davis Cup is no exception. This team, without the usual top-ranked players, has shown that with determination and teamwork, they can achieve great things. The journey from the early matches to reaching the final has been filled with ups and downs, but the Netherlands has remained resilient. Each player has played a crucial role, from Botic van de Zandschulp's heroic performances to Tallon Griekspoor's comeback wins. The spirit of the team has been on full display, and it has inspired tennis fans not only in the Netherlands but also globally.

The Impact of Key Players on the Davis Cup

Botic van de Zandschulp's victory over Rafael Nadal in the final match of the Spaniard's career was a moment that will be remembered. His ability to handle the pressure and come out on top in a tough match showed his true mettle. Tallon Griekspoor's fighting spirit and ability to turn the tide in crucial moments have been instrumental in the Netherlands' success. Wesley Koolhof's retirement after the Davis Cup is a bittersweet moment, but his contribution to the team cannot be overlooked. These players have not only brought glory to the Netherlands but have also inspired future generations of tennis players.

The Road to the Davis Cup Final

The road to the Davis Cup final has been a long and challenging one for the Netherlands. They have faced tough opponents and had to overcome numerous obstacles along the way. From the early wins to the nerve-wracking battles in the later rounds, each match has been a test of the team's skills and determination. The Netherlands' captain, Paul Haarhuis, has played a crucial role in guiding the team and instilling belief in them. His leadership has been a key factor in the team's success, and it has inspired the players to give their best on the court.