The Netherlands records 104-year first after beating Germany to reach the Davis Cup final

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The Netherlands made history after advancing to the 2024 Davis Cup final.

The Dutch contingent have played some outstanding tennis in the ‘Final 8’ and are now into Sunday’s championship match after defeating Germany.

The Netherlands caused a huge shock by beating hosts Spain in the quarter-finals and in the process ended the career of Rafael Nadal.

Led by captain Paul Haarhuis, The Netherlands are now preparing for Sunday’s final where they will face either Australia or defending champions Italy.

The Netherlands break new ground at the Davis Cup finals

The Netherlands entered the semi-finals of the Davis Cup with plenty of confidence after ending Spain’s hopes of glory on Tuesday.

Their fans were in full voice once again as their two singles stars were able to grind out three-set victories to ensure they advanced to the final without needing the retiring Wesley Koolhof to feature in doubles.

The tie began with Botic van de Zandschulp, Nadal’s last opponent, outlasting Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6-7(12), 6-3, after converting his 10th match point.

Tallon Griekspoor then sealed the deal for his country after coming from behind to defeat Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-4.

The Netherlands won 2-0 and the princess reached their first Davis Cup final in their 104-year history playing in the competition.

Tallon Griekspoor reacts as The Netherlands reach the Davis Cup final

Griekspoor, who lost his first singles match of the Davis Cup final against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, but he made up for it against Germany.

The 28-year-old won 83% of the points behind his first serve and hit it 25 aces during the near three-hour contest.

Griekspoor was overjoyed as he celebrated with his Dutch teammates after they made history, and said post-match that this is a moment the team had been working towards for some time.

“We have been talking about this [moment] for two or three years,” said Griekspoor. “We came here all the time with unbelievably tough draws, but we believed in ourselves so much.

“We always felt like this was possible. To do it now feels unbelievable. I am so happy for the team, and for Holland.” He added: “I just tried to focus on my own game.

“I felt like he was playing unbelievable tennis, I didn’t do much wrong in the first set. I’m super proud of myself, super proud of the effort and very happy to get the win in the end.”