Switzerland may be without Roger Federer these days, but they’ll have plenty of confidence in a resurgent Stan Wawrinka and the impressive Marc-Andrea Husler to do a job in the singles. Germany also bring a strong team with Alexander Zverev (who is still coming back from a 7-month injury lay-off) and big-serving Oscar Otte. Who will come out on top in this tie? We have predictions for all the Davis Cup matches this weekend.
Davis Cup Predictions: Switzerland vs Germany
Marc-Andrea Husler vs Oscar Otte
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both players had impressive breakthroughs across 2021 and 2022. Otte is equipped with a monstrous serve and a venomous forehand, which has the potential to do plenty of damage on these indoor hard courts. That said, he’s struggled a lot for consistent form of late. Husler hasn’t started the year ideally, but there’s been plenty of impressive tennis from him
The Swiss man has an interesting left-handed game, and can hit with plenty of power and variety. His breakthrough last season came Sofia where he claimed his first ATP title, which was also on an indoor hard court. This match has a lot of potential to be excellent with the difference in styles at play. If Otte can serve his way to a tiebreak then he’s got a great chance at taking it – but I’ll back Husler to get it done in the end due to his indoor form.
Prediction: Husler in 3
Stan Wawrinka vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-head: Zverev 4-0
One of the most anticipated matches of the Davis Cup weekend. Wawrinka at 37 is still fighting his way to find his best tennis once again, and there’s been some very encouraging signs over the last year for the three-time slam winner. He can still hit bigger than almost anyone – but his fitness is a concern, which isn’t all that surprising. If he’s to win his ties then he’ll need to be at his big-hitting best to shorten the points.
Zverev is having a tricky time as he starts his comeback to the ATP tour. He’s one just one match so far since returning and lost three – and it will most likely take time for his movement to be where it needs to be after a significant injury setback. Because of this, it’s tough to know which way this will go. Wawrinka could have one of his “Stanimal” days and blow Zverev off the court, or he’ll be off and Zverev will be playing closer to his best.
Zverev dominates the head-to-head, but each match has been close. I predict another close match here with Zverev just taking it in the 3rd – despite his poor movement currently, his fitness & first serve is better and he much prefers indoor hard courts to Wawrinka.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Marc-Andrea Husler
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’ll be interesting to see how Husler goes in this match. Given what we saw from him last season, he’s got the game to challenge the best when he’s playing well. He’ll no doubt relish the chance to play Zverev in his current state rather than before, and this is a great chance for him to grab a big win.
Much will depend on how Zverev plays against Wawrinka, but I’m not confident in his ability to well in back-to-back matches right now. He’s also never played Husler, who is crafty and tough to figure out straight away. I can see Husler taking the game to him here and sneaking an upset.
Prediction: Husler in 3
Stan Wawrinka vs Oscar Otte
Head-to-head: First meeting
This should be a fun encounter – unless you’re one of the tennis balls being struck. Both players hit the ball incredibly hard, and I can’t see too many rallies being played out. They’ll be relying on their serves and +1 forehands to do the job throughout the match – and with the indoor conditions we may not see many (or any) breaks of serve.
If the points do get extended, then Wawrinka will most likely come out on top in the majority of them. He may not be quite the same as he used to be, but he can still rally just fine and once he gets ball to tee-off on then Otte will struggle on the backfoot. Otte may well peak for a set, but I think Stan should reign supreme here.
Prediction: Wawrinka in 3
Main Photo from Getty Images
