Spain overcame the absence of world number one Carlos Alcaraz to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in Bologna, and advance to the semi-finals of the Davis Cup.
Spain now moves within reach of their first title in six years. Alcaraz withdrew from the squad earlier in the day after being advised to rest due to swelling in his right hamstring.
His absence left Spain under pressure, and the tie began poorly when big-serving Jakub Mensik fired 20 aces to beat Pablo Carreno Busta 7-5 6-4 and put the Czechs ahead. Jaume Munar responded with his first Davis Cup singles win, delivering a confident 6-3 6-4 victory over world number 17 Jiri Lehecka to force a deciding doubles rubber.
Czech captain Tomas Berdych then brought Mensik back for doubles duty alongside Tomas Machac, but the gamble fell short. Spain’s Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez edged the contest 7-6 (10-8) 7-6 (10-8) after the Czechs squandered multiple set points in both tie-breaks, including a 4-1 lead and three chances in the first set.
“We are really happy that we fought hard for all of the team,” said Granollers. “We believed and here we are in the semi-finals.” It marks Spain’s first progression to the last four since their 2019 title run.
The six-time champions will next face either Argentina or Germany in Saturday’s semi-final, while two-time defending champions Italy, missing Jannik Sinner as he recuperates after his ATP Finals triumph take on Belgium in the other semi on Friday.
Leave a comment