HAMBURG, September 4, 2025

The German Davis Cup team will be without Daniel Altmaier for their upcoming tie against Japan in Tokyo on September 12–13. The 26-year-old is still recovering from a muscle injury sustained at the US Open.

In his place, Justin Engel has been called up. For the 17-year-old from Nuremberg, currently ranked World No. 220, it marks his first Davis Cup nomination. Engel joins Jan-Lennard Struff, Yannick Hanfmann, Tim Pütz, and Kevin Krawietz in Michael Kohlmann’s squad. Should he make his debut in Tokyo, Engel would become the second-youngest player ever to represent Germany in Davis Cup, after Boris Becker.

Team captain Michael Kohlmann acknowledged Altmaier’s absence but welcomed Engel’s opportunity: “Daniel’s injury is of course a bitter blow, as he had shown excellent form recently and we would have loved to have him with us in Tokyo. At the same time, I am delighted to have Justin Engel in the team. He immediately agreed to step in and has demonstrated his outstanding potential in recent months. This is not only a great chance for him personally, but also an important sign for the next generation of German tennis.”

For Engel, the call-up fulfills a lifelong ambition: “Being nominated for the Davis Cup team is a dream come true. It has always been my goal to play for Germany, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I hope we can overcome Japan together as a team.”

Finals Spot at Stake

The tie will follow the traditional format: two singles matches on Day 1, followed by one doubles and two singles on Day 2. The winner secures a place in the Davis Cup Finals, scheduled for November 18–23 in Bologna.

Germany and Japan have met only once before in Davis Cup history. Back in 1933, Japan defeated Germany 4–1 in Berlin. Their September clash in Tokyo will be broadcast live on Tennis Channel.