Victory in the doubles handed Germany a record fifth World Team Cup title on Saturday as the hosts sealed a 2-1 win over defending champions Argentina in the final in Duesseldorf. Having lost to Juan Ignacio Chela earlier in the singles, Philipp Kohlschreiber partnered Philipp Petzschner and enjoyed some revenge as the pair earned a 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) win over Chela and Maximo Gonzalez to win the title.
Chela had earlier levelled the scores in the two singles matches with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win over Kohlschreiber to make it all square after Germany's Florian Mayer had earlier sealed a straight-sets 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 win over Juan Monaco. This was the third time Germany have triumphed over their south American rivals, having also beaten Argentina in the 2005 and 1989 finals. "This title is very special for us and to play in a team like this is always great fun," beamed Kohlschreiber.
Germany are the first country to capture the team title five times in the tournament's 34-year history. "It's always nice to win something in Germany in front of a home crowd, we hope to take this form into the Davis Cup," said Petzschner. Mayer, ranked 21 in the world, made an emphatic start for Germany as he defeated Monaco in just one hour and 33 minutes.
Victory for Mayer means he will break into the top 20 rankings for the first time on Monday. "Today I played for the Top 20," he admitted. "I was extremely motivated and am happy that I achieved my goal. "The first set was very tough with just a few points being decisive, but the second set was much easier." This is the first time they have won the team title since 2005 having also captured the title in 1989, 1994 and 1998.