The 2025 Davis Cup Qualifiers 2nd Round kicked off with a flurry of action on September 12, as nations battled for a spot in the prestigious Final 8 tournament in Bologna. While some favorites struggled, others put on a commanding performance, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion over the weekend.

European Tussles: Austria and France Take Control

In Debrecen, Hungary, the Austrian team came out swinging, stunning the hosts by taking a 2-0 lead. Despite being considered underdogs, Jurij Rodionov and Filip Misolic delivered clutch performances to put Austria on the brink of an upset. The Hungarians, led by Márton Fucsovics, will need a heroic comeback on Saturday.

  • Jurij Rodionov (AUT) def. Fábián Marozsán (HUN) 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5

  • Filip Misolic (AUT) def. Márton Fucsovics (HUN) 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(7)

Meanwhile, in Osijek, Croatia, it was the French who seized the early advantage. Corentin Moutet and Arthur Rinderknech each secured singles victories to give France an unassailable 2-0 lead. Croatia now faces an uphill battle to prevent France from advancing to the Final 8.

  • Corentin Moutet (FRA) def. Dino Prižmić (CRO) 6-4, 5-7, 6-1

  • Arthur Rinderknech (FRA) def. Marin Čilić (CRO) 6-2, 6-4

Germany and Argentina Dominate

In Tokyo, Germany asserted their dominance over a determined Japanese squad, finishing Day 1 with a commanding 2-0 lead.

  • Yannick Hanfmann (GER) def. Shintaro Mochizuki (JPN) 6-3, 6-3

  • Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) def. Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4

Across the globe, Argentina mirrored Germany’s success in Groningen, Netherlands. The Dutch, last year’s runners-up, found themselves in a deep hole after losing both opening singles matches.

  • Tomás Martín Etcheverry (ARG) def. Jesper de Jong (NED) 6-4, 6-4

  • Francisco Cerúndolo (ARG) def. Botic van de Zandschulp (NED) 7-6(4), 6-1

American Clash Ends in a Draw

The most thrilling contest of the day unfolded in Delray Beach, Florida, where the United States and Czechia ended Day 1 tied 1-1. The Czech Republic’s Jiří Lehečka delivered a decisive win in the first match, but Taylor Fritz fought back for the home team.

  • Jiří Lehečka (CZE) def. Frances Tiafoe (USA) 6-3, 6-2

  • Taylor Fritz (USA) def. Jakub Menšík (CZE) 6-4, 6-3