Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez helped Spain secure a spot in the Davis Cup final against two-time defending champions Italy after a 2-1 victory over Alexander Zverev’s Germany on Saturday.
Similar to their quarter-final win against the Czech Republic, the decisive doubles match was crucial, with Granollers and Martinez defeating Germany’s Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
“I’m really proud of my players; they had to fight to get this far,” said Spain captain David Ferrer.
No Carlos Alcaraz
This marks the first final for six-time champions Spain since 2019, and they are competing without injured world number one Carlos Alcaraz.
Italy, too, are playing without world number two Jannik Sinner and eighth-ranked Lorenzo Musetti.
“The most important is that
we’re in the Final. Of course, we’re playing in Bologna. It’s Italy’s home,” said Ferrer.
“We’re going to be ready to fight and to have a chance to win.
“We believe that without Carlos we can do a great week. Now we are in the Final.
“I would like to be focused on my players because tomorrow could be a big, big day for them.”
After a strong comeback from being outplayed in the first set, the Germans faltered at the start of the third, losing their serve to love and falling behind 3-1. Their only break point at 5-3 was saved by an ace from Granollers, and the match concluded two points later with a smash from Martinez.
Pablo Carreno Busta had given Spain the initial advantage by defeating Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 7-6 (8/6). Despite the straight-sets win, it was dramatic as Carreno Busta recovered from 6-1 down in the tie-break to win seven consecutive points. Struff had earlier saved three match points to level the second set at 5-5 and started the tie-break strongly, but his nerve failed, allowing Carreno Busta to make an incredible comeback.
“When you have three match points and you didn’t make it, it’s true that you probably think a lot of things,” said the Spaniard.
“So I just continued fighting and believing.
“It’s a really important victory for me and I think also for the Team Spain.”
World number three Zverev, the highest-ranked player among the eight teams, levelled the score by defeating 36th-ranked Jaume Munar 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5). After an early break was neutralised, Zverev dominated the tie-break to take the first set. Munar responded by breaking Zverev’s serve in the third game of the second set. However, Zverev remained composed, forcing another tie-break and winning, thereby taking the contest to the doubles match.
“I didn’t play my best today,” said Zverev.
“I thought the first match (Thursday) was better. But I won. We’re in the Davis Cup. It doesn’t matter how you win, as long as you get the point for your team.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
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