Spain gains Davis semis after doubles comeback

Spain came through with a deciding doubles win to reach the Davis Cup semi-finals with a lineup missing injured world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday.

The European powerhouse overcame the Czechs 2-1 thanks to a doubles win from Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez, who defeated Jakob Mensik and Tomas Machac 7-6 (8), 7-6 (8).

It was the first time in the final four for Spain since 2019 after the win in Bologna.

The day began poorly for Spain as Pablo Carreno Busta went down 7-5 6-4 to Mensik – who delivered 20 aces – before Jaume Munar levelled the tie as he beat Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-4.

The first rubber began at an unaccustomed 10:30 a.m., with Carreno Busta forced to rise at 5:30 a.m. to complete pre-match prep.

“I don’t remember the last time I played that early”, he said. “But the energy and the atmosphere of the crowd and of the Davis Cup gave me really good energy. 

“Even in the first set when he broke me, I knew that I had the opportunities on the return. My serve was pretty strong throughout the whole match. I’m just glad that I kept the energy and the focus.”

Main photo:- Martinez and Granollers seal victory for Spain in doubles by ATPTour.com