Spain squeeze past Germany to reach Davis final with Italy

Spain on Saturday pulled off a last-gasp trip to a Davis Cup final against Italy as the Iberian side triumphed in deciding doubles in a Bologna thriller.

The nation which is without world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz due to injury, beat Germany 2-1 in their semi-final, with Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez beat Kevin Kraweitz and Tim Puetz 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

World No. 3 Alexander Zverev – only top 10 player competing this week in the wrapup to the worldwide team event, drew Germany level with a 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5) win over Jaume Munar.

Pablo Carreno Busta put the Spaniards in early command as he began the day’s play 6-4, 7-6 (6) over Jan-Lennard Struff.

After the singles split, the doubles went to a deciding set as Garnollers and Martinez worked for one and three-quarter hours to secure a trophy match for their side.

They salvaged a break point in the final game and converted on a first match point moments later to clinch victory in the tie.

Earlier, Carreno Busta saved five consecutive set points against Struff, while Germany’s Zverev produced 32 winners – 13 were aces – in his singles win.

Spain will play its first Davis final since winning the 2019 title, facing Italy which has lifted the trophy in the last two editions played in Malaga.

Main photo:- Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez celebrate ATPTour.com