Davis Cup Is Coming, Davis Cup Is Going

Belarus at Germany; 19-21 September; Sundern Germany
Germany battling to stay in World Group play
Stat page from Davis Cup site's on the World Group Play-off (or Ties) for two countries here. Here is the draw info from Thursday.

• Here is Rainer's Davis Cup bio and stats.


• Davis Cup schedule in German from Sportbild.de.


• Germany Team Info


• Belarus Team Info


• How Davis Cup works


• Schedule of World Group Play-off ties.


• World Group Drawsheet

Friday's singles: Mirnyi def Behrend 57 26 76(6) 62 64; Schuettler def Voltchkov 63 36 67(3) 64 64
Saturday's doubles: Mirnyi/Voltchkov over Schuettler/Kiefer 63 36 75 75
Sunday's reverse singles:
Mirnyi def Schuettler 63 75 63 ; Behrend v Voltchkov replaced by Lars Burgsmuller (GER) over Alexander Skrypko 62 60

Sunday 21 September
Belarus 3 - Germany 2
Germany suffers disappointing loss, to play 2004 in Euro/African Zone 1
"We Will Attack Again To Come Back" says Schuettler. Rainer Schuettler could not overcome the charging effort of Max Mirnyi in the crucial fourth rubber, losing 36 57 36. The loss puts Germany out of World Group play for the first time since 1983 and is a tremendous blow to the country's hopes of returning to top Davis Cup activity. The fifth match was altered and Lars Burgsmuller gained Germany's second point as he easily defeated Alexander Skrypko 62 60 in less than 50 minutes. Belarus enters World Group play for the first time in their nine years of play, their opponent will be decided in the draw later this month.
Schuettler, who hurt his ankle and received treatment in the second for the injury, was unable to utilize his normal game. He had three aces to Mirnyi's 12, no break point chances (vs 4/10 40%), and five double faults. "Max played really good and that is why we have lost the match. Of course it's really disappointing for me. But we will attack again to come back to the World Group next year. Maybe the pressure was too high, but I did not feel tired," said Rainer.

There's Something About Rainer... ArticlesAlso includes articles post-Davis Cup

• Davis Cup website recap
• Sport1 article on loss. Says that even the "marathon man" couldn't save Germany from falling. Rainer comments that right away, Germany will work to regain status to play for the Davis Cup, that all is not lost in their eyes. Article mentions how Mirnyi carried the Belarussian team, criticizes German captain Kuhnen, who said "it is what it is." Also referenced that the promised southern home crowd never transpired as the stadium was 2/3 full, the choice of location and outdoor courts were questionable, and even Rainer's decision to play in Brazil on hard court may not have been wise - that maybe an injury there came back to hurt the team. Germany must now get a competitive doubles team and keep an eye on new talent to regroup for the next Davis Cup.
• Sportbild blurb on match. Headline reads: "Katastrophe! Deutschland sturzt ab" (Catastrophe, Germany Crashes) "Oh, it is bitter", said the deeply disappointed Schuettler. "I played badly, I know that, but I was not tired. Perhaps I wanted too much."
• Article from Netzeitung site. Article talks about criticism of Germany's results, that 10 years after a triumphant 1993 they are now out of the World Group. "It is a sharp setback for the tennis culture in this country," said Kuhnen. For him, a former world-class doubles player and the head of the team for a year, it was also a personal blow,"No doubt, my disappointment is huge." Rainer said "it was a bitter failure. I was mentally much too strained and cramped." Guenter Bosch, a former coach of Boris Becker, said "I have never seen a Top Ten player return so weakly and get not one breakpoint." He and others are saying that Schuettler's dull and uninspired performance could be blamed on his schedules in the past weeks, where he had flown to the New York Grand Slam, a tournament in Brazil, the auto show (IAA) in Frankfurt and the guest appearance on the Raab show. But fortunately not all blame is facing Rainer, the choice of red clay against Mirnyi and Co. proved to be a mistake, robbing Rainer of his strengths on his weakest surface, and the decision to put him into action for the doubles match on Saturday, where a loss was certainly possible.
• SportArd piece along the same theme. "It was always my dream to once win the Davis Cup. Now to do so through the second league, it's not what I wanted for a Davis Cup career," said Rainer. Quote from Boris Becker on the choice of surface, "Patrik and the players decided on clay, which Mirnyi prefers. It is a typical German characteristic to always set upon the weakness of the opponent instead of their strengths."
• Sports Illustrated's website had this short blurb, but it has some very interesting points about the decline of tennis in Germany in the past few years.
• SportArd interview with Bosch.
• Sport1 article
• Sport1 interview with Kuhnen
• More criticism about loss. "Rainer's preparation was amateurish" After falling from the World Group, criticism of the German players grows. "At this time, we're where we belong," said Michael Stich who is going public about his gripes along with Carl Uwe Steeb. "This isn't a small accident, but a disaster for German tennis," said Steeb. Rainer's loss to Mirnyi is becoming the center of such talk, "Rainer's preparation for the most important Davis Cup play for Germany in years was absolutely amateurful", said Steeb.
• Netzeitung article from Monday
• TennisMagazin.de


• Another TennisMagazin.de writeup


• Sportbild article
• Neue Westfalische article
• SVZ Online blurb
• SuedDeutsche.de mention
SportArd article
• Sport1 writeup

Saturday 20 September
Belarus 2 - Germany 1
Belarus, lead by one of the world's best doubles players in Max Mirnyi with Voltchkov, was able to hold off the scrappy German team of Schuettler and Kiefer in four sets, 63 36 75 75. The nearly three hour match was especially tight in the end, and it took Belarus five match points to solidify the win, which puts them up 2-1 in this crucial Davis Cup event. Rainer and Nicolas, normally solid singles players with some doubles experience, combined for a good showing. Statistically, they had a better second serve (48/53 91% vs. 32/36 89%) and break point (3/5 60% vs. 5/19 26%) percentage than their Belarussian foes, and both sides won 59 points on the first serve.
This sets up Sunday's remaining two reverse singles matches, which begin at 11am German time (5am NY time) with Schuettler facing Mirnyi and Behrend vs. Voltchkov. A win in either by Belarus seals it for them while Germany is in the very tough situation of having to win both. Both teams have reason to fight: Belarus is playing to earn their first-ever position in the World Group as Germany is determined to remain in that top group, as they have for the past 20 years. If Germany loses, they move down to Euro/African Zone 1. If Rainer wins, one hopes that Voltchkov may be tired in facing Behrend who had Saturday off.
This will mark the 6th time Rainer will face Mirnyi, he holds a 4-1 career mark against him. In the past, Schuettler has played well under pressure vs. "the Beast," and will hope for a loud and supportive German crowd. They met twice already this year in Round of 16 matches with Schuettler prevailing 76 46 76 at Dubai and 63 64 at Indian Wells (both hard court). The other three meetings were: 2000 Doha (hard) with Rainer winning 63 62 in the quarters (Schuettler advanced to the finals but lost to Fabrice Santoro 63 57(3)), 2001 Lyon (carpet) with Mirnyi winning 46 64 63, and another quarterfinal match in St Petersburg 2001 (hard) with Schuettler winning 75 63 (Rainer advanced to the finals here before falling to Marat Safin 63 36 36).

Schuettler Shots... Photos

There's Something About Rainer... Articles

• Writeup from the Davis Cup website. "Today it was another fantastic day of tennis. It is exciting to be here in Germany. The crowd was spectacular and the weather was great," said Mirnyi as a disappointed Rainer commented, "We have still the chance to win the tie and I will do my best to beat Mirnyi tomorrow."
• Quick recap of doubles match, in German.
• Sport1 writeup, in German. Says that only true optimists thought the Germans could win this match, and that Behrend should win his Sunday match, meaning it all falls on Rainer's match vs. Mirnyi. Also that Kiefer overcame some apparent nervousness and got stronger and stronger as the match went on. It also mentions the risk of dropping out of the World Group, to which Rainer said, "Das ware ein herber Ruckschlag." (That would be a sharp setback.)
• Sportbild article, also in German. Says that Rainer, as always, was running everywhere and chasing down everything while Kiefer made some errors and was hesitant on some volleys.
• Netzeitung.de article about the choices made for the German team so far. Mentions how two weeks ago Sundern celebrated its first national league-title win, and now Germany needs to be rescued from slumping into the international insignificance. "We are in an emergency, but not yet finished. Yet all is open," said Kuhnen, "I believe in our team." The head of DTB isn't giving up, stating that the German squad "has the battle, will and the togetherness." The real question comes down to who would play that fifth match if Rainer defeats Mirnyi? The unfortunate loser Friday, Tomas Behrend? The more experienced Kiefer, even though he's unsuccessful in the Davis Cup? Or someone not utilized yet in Lars Burgsmuller? Hanging their heads, Schuettler and Kiefer left the arena after their loss, where the 3500 spectators cheered in vain for a win. It also mentioned that Rainer lost his serve at some crucial points, that this was the 13th win for the Belarussians in 16 doubles matches.
• Netzeitung article

Friday 19 September
Germany 1 - Belarus 1
Belarus won the 1st match in a 3.5 hour five-setter as Mirnyi overcame Behrend 57 26 76(6) 62 64, and Rainer battled to force a fifth set and won 63 36 67(3) 64 64. It was a four hour ordeal and in the end, the German crowd was treated to nearly eight hours of great tennis. This sets up what should be an excellent and aggressive doubles match on Saturday on the beautiful outdoors facility.

Schuettler Shots... Photos
There's Something About Rainer... Articles

• Schuettler's victory in the second singles match. Gives a quick recap of the match and states how Rainer knows that the German team is counting on him for two singles wins, and he's halfway there. Also says that Kuhnen was impressed with his determination and playing on clay.
• Another German article. A tired and relieved Rainer was happy that his win kept "Germany from being in a very difficult situation." Also mentions that the full day of tennis was very exciting and had the atmosphere of Davis Cup all around. It mentions that the doubles match is so important, and that maybe there is a little uncertainty in the pairing of Kiefer and Schuettler in that there is no true leader of the two. Behrend had a quote about how "that's the beauty and tragedy of tennis" on how he lost a two set lead over Mirnyi, and that "it's extremely bitter, it's the worst defeat of my career. Article also talks about how Rainer was up a few game points but didn't convert, but that he was steady and persistent.
• Davis Cup article on Rainer's win. "That was a very tough match for me, but the crowd was really amazing. Such a fantastic atmosphere you only see in Davis Cup. It was a fantastic feeling. Now we must give a good performance tomorrow to remain in the World Group," explained Schuettler.
• Sportbild mention. Says that even though Rainer was able to draw even with his win, the German team still has their backs to the wall with Belarus and remaining in World Group play. Schuettler and Kiefer will face a very tough Mirnyi and Voltchkov in the only match of the day. Rainer's singles match on Friday started off well, but after the second set the Korbach native was determined to win and the sporting drama began.
• Stuttgarter Nachrichten article
• Sport1 interview with Rainer after Brazil loss to Schalken about the Davis Cup

  "The start of a new era in Davis Cup" Rainer Schuettler lost recently to Sjeng Schalken in the Brazil Open Finals, and now the German who is having the best year of his career turns his attention to the Davis Cup. The 27 year old has great respect for Belarus, who they face in Sundern. "It's a heavy task, Belarus has a very good team. Not only the single players, but also the doubles with Mirnyi and Vladimir Voltchkov is world class", says Rainer. He feels that Germany can edge out a win in the end. Nevertheless, Schuettler adds: "We don't want to think about losing."
  SPORT1: In Costa do Sauipe you were in an ATP-tournament again and very nearly won - and again it has not happened. Why?
  Rainer: Sjeng played simply too well. And I did not find my way into the game like at the day before against Gustavo (Kuerten).
  SPORT1: Sjeng Schalken has become your anxiety opponent?
  Rainer: Well yes, I have won against him before, but the last times he's nosed ahead.
  SPORT1: Does it burden you that you are without a tournament victory this year?
  Rainer: I can certainly understand such negative questions. I look at it that this is my best season, I'm in the Top 10, I'm in the Champions Race in the sixth position. Why should I try to seek any negative points?
  SPORT1: Now concerning the Davis Cup, against Belarus, it comes down to all or nothing. Is a loss forbidden?
  Rainer: It doesn't come to life or death, but it's very important for German tennis and for us players to be represented in the World Group next year. Of losing, we don't want to think of it. We want the big crowds of thousands of fans, the city Sundern and especially Paul Krengel and Jan Mendelin who put so much into everything to offer the best possibilities for us, and we do not want to disappoint.
  SPORT1: What meaning does the Davis Cup have for you?
  Rainer: For me, it is special to play for Germany. I always played gladly for Germany, whether in the Davis Cup or in the Olympic Games. And this year in Sundern it's sure to be a crazy experience. There are super fans and crazy conditions here, and the weather will also play a factor. The entire team will come together in order to win.
  SPORT1: How important does German tennis view this event?
  Rainer: We want to win, we hope to play next year in the World Group, and to contribute to tennis with positive achievements in the Davis Cup and place value to this sport. But also, if we lose, the world does not sink. We simply climb up the next year.
  SPORT1: Tommy Haas is not playing, but here supporting. Does it help the team?
  Rainer: Its crazy how Tommy supports the team, not only in Argentina, but also here in Sundern. This proves to all critics, who last year had only negative comments on the team and the team spirit - how wrong they were.
  SPORT1: The Masters Cup is the last large goal of the year, how can you hold your form until then? And then how do you celebrate this year after that?
  Rainer: I did not qualify yet, but it looks good, and I hope that I go into Houston in top form. It's the most important tournament of the year with the Grand Slams, and I want to use this as my chance to measure myself against the best of the world. And after that, I take a vacation.

There's Something About Rainer... ArticlesThese articles appeared in the days leading up to Davis Cup play.

• Article about the surprise pick of Behrend from Netzeitung.de Says how just as in a poker game, captain Patrik Kuhnen pulled a surprise joker out of his sleeve and nominated newcomer Tomas Behrend as a second single player next to Rainer Schuettler. "It is on home clay, he trained outstanding," said Kuhnen on his surprising decision to change the replacement man into the new hope carrier. I think it also says that Kiefer and Burgsmuller are available as substitutes, and that Alexander Waske is not going to play. The amazement over Kuhnen's choice was evident when the head of German tennis didn't have a Behrend bio ready. Behrend was very happy with the choice, saying that his hard work has paid off. Behrend, born in the Brazil, has lived for ten years in western Germany and has previously represented Dusseldorf in the World Team Cup. After he faces Belarussian #1 Max Mirnyi, the top German (Rainer Schuettler) takes on Voltchkov. Though the lineup can change up to an hour before matches, Schuettler and Kiefer are set to play Voltchkov and Mirnyi in doubles.
  Behrend and Mirnyi met earlier this summer, winning 64 64. I think Behrend said that it involved a lot of running, or that's his plan for Friday; also that he hopes he can get some sleep on Thursday. Tomas ranks in the nineties in this career-best year, and just two weeks ago won the German Team Championship with his team TC BW Sundern.
• SportsIllustrated.com actually mentioned something A) non-USA tennis related about B) the Davis Cup, so I had to include it.
• Sportbild mention.
  The German team had free reign in Sundern almost for three days and used it. "The Belarussians are here Wednesday, until then the facility is ours," said captain Patrik Kuhnen.
  The team is depending on a full and supportive crowd, "if the arena in Sundern is full, we'll get a full Davis Cup-atmosphere experience, like that only known in South America," said Schuettler - who played in front of such an intense crowd in Brazil. The team wants to make sure that Germany remains in the Davis Cup top tier. "The word defeat is taboo here", says Kuhnen.
  Playing Belarus is not exactly easy, they have one of the best doubles players with Mirnyi who will play with Voltchkov. For singles, Germany has Rainer Schuettler for sure, with Nicolas Kiefer, Lars Burgsmuller and Tomas Behrend to choose from as well. Doubles player Alexander Waske is mentioned.
• German
The anxiety around the formation of the German team is high. The only known thing is that Rainer will be playing, as Patrik Kuhnen has yet to announce the other players, who have been fighting for a spot. "I can't let the cat out of the bag yet," said Kuhnen. Nicolas Kiefer said "I trained hard and I feel in top shape, but the decision of who plays comes from Patrik." So focused is the German team on remaining in the World Group that they are only training and working out with no evening activities.
• in German from Sport1.de. Says how a lot of the German hopes ride on Rainer's shoulders, and he says that this time he only eats and drinks tennis. "It is so immensely important to German tennis that we remain in the first group," said Schuettler. It mentioned his busy schedule for the past week: from the Sunday final against Sjeng Schalken in the Brazilian Costa do Sauipe, then after that he jetted via Sao Paulo to Frankfurt where he landed at noon on Monday noon and straight to a sponsor's appointment for the IAA international auto show. Monday afternoon he left Frankfurt for Cologne where he was an evening guest of Stefan Raab in TV-Total. There he talked about the ranking systems, with the host then commenting that Rainer is one of the eight best players in the world, to which the modest Schuettler said "If one sees it that way, I guess so." I think it also says that after Davis Cup he may relax a couple days before the next ATP events, where he'll be heading for Tokyo, Lyon, Madrid, St. Petersburg, Paris - and hopefully Houston for the Masters Cup. There the world's eight-best players will battle November 10-16, and Rainer wants to be the first German since Kiefer earned a spot in 1999. His chances are good as he's now at #6 in the Champions Race.
• in German from Sport1.de. After Germany's most embarrassing Davis Cup defeat in seven years, captain Kuhnen was disappointed and felt helpless after the 5-0 defeat to Argentina. "Without Tommy Haas it's not easy," he said, but things were looking better after Rainer's Australian Open success. "The disappointment is naturally huge", said Kuhnen, "but all world knows that Argentina was the favorite, and that was confirmed. They had the home advantage and were simply better." For the future, "with Tommy Haas and a strong-playing Rainer Schuettler, in the next three to five years we can go to the Davis Cup finals," stated Kuhnen. "A little good luck naturally belongs to the draw as well," he added, "We would need a better earlier draw and the benefit of playing in Germany. Hopefully we won't begin in Chile or Ecuador."
• in German from Netzeitung.de. This article talks about how Rainer has been all over the world lately, but now it's just 500 meters between the hotel in the forest and the Sundern courts as he prepares for the Davis Cup. "It's quiet and I'm comfortable here," said Rainer as he and his teammates practice and train some seven hours a day. It says how it's the most important match for Germany in years and that a win could mean a new era for the country's tennis. It then mentions the relationships between the national group and individual players and their own coaches, and maybe how that caused problems before. Also maybe that certain players don't get along, but that the team needs to be together in order to win.
• Canadian story about Davis Cup with some interesting points.
• in German from TennisMagazin.de about Rainer's Brazil results and the DTB/Board of Directors voting
• in German also from TennisMagazin.de. Talks about how this group doesn't want to be the 1st German team in 20 years to fall into the second group, and that the good atmosphere in training doesn't mean they aren't serious. The place is 2/3 sold out and they have been training harder than any previous German squad.
• in German from Sport1.de, interview earlier this year with Kuhnen, Germany's Davis Cup captain