German tennis player Oscar Otte, 28, says making a Davis Cup debut is a dream come true as he admitted he was “speechless” after German captain Michael Kohlmann announced the nominations. Oscar enjoyed a breakout season on the Tour last year, having won three Challenger titles.
Oscar is now enjoying a career-high ranking of No. 77 in the world and his good results didn’t go unnoticed by Germany captain Kohlmann. Germany is set to take on Brazil in a Davis Cup qualifying tie this weekend. The winner will progress into the Davis Cup Finals event.
“It’s definitely a dream come true – I have always said that I would like to play for Germany in the Davis Cup or at the Olympics,“ Otte said. “When the news came: ‘Oscar, you’re in Brazil’, I was speechless at first.
Putting on the shirt with the imprint ‘Germany’ now feels very good”.
Oscar pushed Alexander Zverev hard
Otte proved to himself last year that he has what it takes to compete against the best players. Otte was up by two sets in the French Open first round against Zverev but the top-ranked German tennis player recovered to win in five sets.
Also, Otte suffered a five-set defeat to Andy Murray in the Wimbledon second round and made his maiden Grand Slam round-of-16 at the US Open. “I think it’s two things,” Otte told the DTB. “On the one hand, it took me a little bit to realise for myself that I can keep up there and beat good people.
Above all, the success at the US Open helped me further when I won many close matches. I now believe more in my own strength”. The tie will be held in Brazil and Otte admits he expects to feel the nerves. “Of course I will be nervous, but I have found ways for myself to deal with it well,” said Otte of the antincipated atmosphere.
“I like it when there are a lot of spectators, even if they are against you. That gives me more of an extra push”.