Home Teams in Trouble: A Look at Davis Cup Qualifying Scores

As part of the World Group, various countries are competing for a spot in the 2025 Davis Cup Final 8. Germany made a strong impression by defeating Japan, and France is off to a good start against Croatia. So far this weekend, the standout performances have come from visiting teams.

Throughout the weekend, fourteen teams will battle for a place in the 2025 Davis Cup Final 8, set to take place in Bologna this November. While Italy automatically qualifies as the host nation (and defending champion), Germany became the second team to secure qualification in recent hours with a victory on Japanese soil (3 wins to 0).

But the German team isn’t the only visiting side to take an early lead. France, playing away in Osijek, leads Croatia 2-0 after the first day. The defending finalists, the Netherlands, who are hosting Argentina in Groningen, are in serious danger.

Indeed, Tomás Martín Etcheverry (who defeated Jesper De Jong 6-4, 6-4) and Francisco Cerúndolo (who dominated Botic van de Zandschulp 7-6, 6-1) have given the South Americans a strong chance at qualification.

The all-European clash between Hungary and Austria in Debrecen is currently favoring the Austrians. Thanks to wins by Jurij Rodionov against Fabian Marozsan (6-2, 6-7, 7-5) and Lukas Neumayer over Márton Fucsovics (6-3, 3-6, 7-6), the team captained by Jürgen Melzer is closing in on a historic qualification for the Final 8. For context, Austria has never won the Davis Cup or even reached the final.

Finally, the United States and the Czech Republic are tied after the first day in Delray Beach. On the Florida courts, Jiří Lehečka comfortably defeated Frances Tiafoe (6-3, 6-2), before Taylor Fritz leveled the score against Jakub Menšík (6-4, 6-3).

Saturday’s matches will be decisive between these two nations. It’s worth noting that the match between Spain and Denmark in Marbella has not yet begun and will extend over Saturday and Sunday.