In Bologna, where the Davis Cup Finals are meant to represent the pinnacle of national pride in tennis, the atmosphere inside the stadium felt strangely muted during Germany’s recent tie against Argentina. The ball echoed louder than the crowd, and the cheers – usually a trademark of this historic event – were scattered, almost hesitant. As Germany’s Alexander Zverev stepped into the press after the doubles match, he carried not just the weight of his performance but a disappointment that had little to do with anything on court.

Zverev, who has never shied away from speaking his mind about the Davis Cup’s evolving identity, addressed the elephant in the room before anyone else did. He didn’t look too pleased with the attendance in this enticing tie. Before the start of this tournament, Zv

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