Holders Italy to face Austria in Davis Cup quarters

BERLIN: Title holders Italy with world number one Jannik Sinner were on Wednesday drawn to face Austria in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup.

Should the champions prevail the winner of France v Belgium would await them next at the November 18-23 Finals in the Italian city of Bologna.

In the other half of the draw, Carlos Alcaraz' Spain play the Czech Republic and second seeds Germany are up against Argentina.

Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta and teammates celebrate after winning his singles match against Denmark's Elmer Moeller. — Reuters

It remains to be seen whether world number three Alexander Zverev will play for the Germans who last lifted the trophy in 1993. Zverev last featured in the team event in February 2023.

Germany have reached the semifinals and the quarterfinals twice each in the past years. They are very well looking forward to reaching the last-four stage this time.

"Argentina as a big tennis nation are of course a difficult opponent.They are well placed but not unbeatable. I expect a close tie,"German captain Michael Kohlmann said. — dpa