Britain took an early lead over Germany in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday when Daniel Evans beat Peter Gojowczyk 6-2, 6-1.
Evans built a 4-0 lead and didn’t face a break point in the match. Gojowczyk double-faulted on match point.
“I tried to get some rhythm early on,” Evans said. “I played well from start to finish.”
Great Britain's Daniel Evans hits a forehand against Germany's Peter Gojowczyk during a Davis Cup quarter final match match between Great Britain and Germany in Innsbruck, Austria, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. (PhotoMichael Probst)
Cameron Norrie was scheduled to play Jan-Lennard Struff in the second singles later Tuesday.
Gojowczyk was a surprise pick by Germany captain Michael Kohlmann. The 86th-ranked player replaced Dominik Koepfer, who is ranked 32 places higher and played in the two group matchups Germany won against Austria and Serbia.
Gojowczyk had never played Evans in an ATP level match but beat the Briton twice in lower-ranked tournaments, in 2013 and 2016.
Germany's Peter Gojowczyk looks up during his match against Great Britain's Daniel Evans in a Davis Cup quarter final match match between Great Britain and Germany in Innsbruck, Austria, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. (PhotoMichael Probst)
Ten-time champion Britain is seeking its fourth semifinal berth in the last six editions of the Davis Cup. The team defeated France and Czech Republic in the group phase last week.
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Germany's Peter Gojowczyk uses his towel during his match against Great Britain's Daniel Evans in a Davis Cup quarter final match match between Great Britain and Germany in Innsbruck, Austria, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. (PhotoMichael Probst)