Netherlands reached the Davis Cup final for the first time with a battling 2-0 win over Germany on Friday. Tallon Griekspoor ground down Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-4 in the second singles rubber to eliminate the three-time winners in the semi-finals. Botic van de Zandschulp beat Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6-7 (12/14), 6-3 in a hard-fought opening match to set Netherlands on their way.

Jannik Sinner's Italy, the defending champions, face Australia in the second semi-final on Saturday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nations-league-draw-spain-to-face-netherlands-germany-pitted-against-italy-in-quarters-778400">Nations League Draw: Spain to face Netherlands, Germany pitted against Italy in quarters</a>

The Dutch knocked out Rafael Nadal's Spain in the last eight on Tuesday on the way to their first final in 104 years of competing.

They then ousted Germany, who last triumphed in 1993 and were hoping to reach a sixth final.

"I'm unbelievably proud, they played so well," said Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis, who was part of the team last time they made the semi-finals 23 years ago.

Van de Zandschulp kicked off the tie by claiming a scrappy victory with his 10th match point in two hours 44 minutes.

"It could have been easier but I did it the hard way," said the Dutchman who sent 22-time Grand Slam title winner Nadal into retirement on Tuesday with a famous win. "At some point, I didn't know what to do any more on the match points."

Neither player blinked in a first set with few thrills, until the Dutchman, ranked 80th, nosed ahead for a 5-4 lead which he served out, clinching when Altmaier went wide.

Van de Zandschulp broke in the fifth game of the second set and consolidated for a 4-2 lead, taking full control of the match.

The Dutchman forced four break points in the next game, but the world number 88 managed to escape with three aces to avoid a double break.

Moving into a higher gear the German was able to get back on serve at 4-4, converting his third break point at the end of the match's longest rally when Van de Zandschulp failed at the net.

The Dutch player brought up five match points in the tie-break but could not hold his nerve and Altmaier took his fourth set point with a smash to force a third set.

Van de Zandschulp broke in the second game, but Altmaier immediately responded.

The Dutchman produced another break of serve to open up a 5-3 lead and, after wasting four more match points, wrapped up the win with his 10th as Altmaier could not return a powerful serve.

"I had the toughest match of my life on Tuesday (against Nadal), so everything that comes next is a little bit easier," added Van de Zandschulp.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Netherlands reached the Davis Cup final for the first time with a battling 2-0 win over Germany on Friday. Tallon Griekspoor ground down Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-4 in the second singles rubber to eliminate the three-time winners in the semi-finals.

Netherlands reached the Davis Cup final for the first time with a battling 2-0 win over Germany on Friday. Tallon Griekspoor ground down Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-4 in the second singles rubber to eliminate the three-time winners in the semi-finals. Botic van de Zandschulp beat Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6-7 (12/14), 6-3 in a hard-fought opening match to set Netherlands on their way. Jannik Sinner's Italy, the defending champions, face Australia in the second semi-final on Saturday. ALSO READ: Nations League Draw: Spain to face Netherlands, Germany pitted against Italy in quarters The Dutch knocked out Rafael Nadal's Spain in the last eight on Tuesday on the way to their first final in 104 years of competing. They then ousted Germany, who last triumphed in 1993 and were hoping to reach a sixth final. "I'm unbelievably proud, they played so well," said Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis, who was part of the team last time they made the semi-finals 23 years ago. Van de Zandschulp kicked off the tie by claiming a scrappy victory with his 10th match point in two hours 44 minutes. "It could have been easier but I did it the hard way," said the Dutchman who sent 22-time Grand Slam title winner Nadal into retirement on Tuesday with a famous win. "At some point, I didn't know what to do any more on the match points." Neither player blinked in a first set with few thrills, until the Dutchman, ranked 80th, nosed ahead for a 5-4 lead which he served out, clinching when Altmaier went wide. Van de Zandschulp broke in the fifth game of the second set and consolidated for a 4-2 lead, taking full control of the match. The Dutchman forced four break points in the next game, but the world number 88 managed to escape with three aces to avoid a double break. Moving into a higher gear the German was able to get back on serve at 4-4, converting his third break point at the end of the match's longest rally when Van de Zandschulp failed at the net. The Dutch player brought up five match points in the tie-break but could not hold his nerve and Altmaier took his fourth set point with a smash to force a third set. Van de Zandschulp broke in the second game, but Altmaier immediately responded. The Dutchman produced another break of serve to open up a 5-3 lead and, after wasting four more match points, wrapped up the win with his 10th as Altmaier could not return a powerful serve. "I had the toughest match of my life on Tuesday (against Nadal), so everything that comes next is a little bit easier," added Van de Zandschulp. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tennis: Netherlands down Germany to reach first Davis Cup final

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Tennis: Netherlands down Germany to reach first Davis Cup final