HANNOVER, February 19, 2016

Alexander Zverev has been picked by Davis Cup Captain Michael Kohlmann to represent Germany in its World Group first round tie against the Czech Republic, taking place from 4 to 6 March at TUI Arena in Hannover. The 18-year-old is the country’s current number two behind world number 28 Philipp Kohlschreiber, who will lead the squad into the tie.

“It has always been a big goal for me to play the Davis Cup for Germany. I am really happy to be part of the team and will do my very best to have a successful weekend,” Zverev told after his nomination.

Zverev is currently ranked on a career high 56th position and has already gotten a taste of what could happen in Hannover, as the teenager lost to Czech’s top ten player Tomas Berdych in the second round of the ATP 250 tournament in Marseille on Thursday. Zverev took the match the distance but wasn’t able to hold off the world number eight in the deciding set. 

“Led by Berdych, we all know that the Czech team is a very strong opponent,” German captain Kohlmann said. “But I hope that the support of our fans as well as our great team spirit will give us the chance to celebrate in the end.”

The German team will be completed by Dustin Brown, who is going to play in the semi-finals at the ATP Challenger in Wroclaw this week, as well as doubles specialist Philipp Petzschner.

The Germans lead the two nations’ head-to-head 10-4, with their last clash being back in 2005. Since then, the visiting Czechs have established themselves as arguably the dominant force in the competition, winning the title in 2012 and 2013.