Spain has secured a spot in the semifinals of the Davis Cup after an impressive comeback against Czechia in Bologna. Despite being without their top players, the Spanish team displayed remarkable resilience and teamwork to clinch a thrilling 2-1 victory.
The quarterfinal clash began with Czechia taking an early lead. Young star Jakub Mensik showcased his skills by defeating veteran Pablo Carreño Busta with a score of 7-5, 6-4. Mensik, who has been in fine form this season, delivered an impressive 20 aces during the match. His aggressive play proved too much for Carreño Busta, particularly in the second set where he managed a crucial break of serve to secure the win.
However, Spain quickly leveled the tie thanks to Jaume Munar, who stepped up in a big way. Facing 17th-ranked Jiri Lehecka, Munar produced a solid performance, winning 6-3, 6-4. The World No. 36 managed to fend off both break points he faced and claimed his first Davis Cup singles victory. Munar’s solid serve and tactical play helped him build momentum, allowing him to break Lehecka to take the lead in both sets.
The stage was set for a tense doubles match to decide the tie. Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez paired up to take on Tomas Machac and Mensik. The doubles clash delivered plenty of excitement, culminating in a nail-biting finish. After a pair of closely contested sets that went to tiebreakers, Granollers and Martinez emerged victorious, winning 7-6(8), 7-6(8). They saved multiple set points during both tiebreaks, showcasing their grit under pressure. The match concluded dramatically with a double fault from Mensik, sealing Spain’s victory after a total playtime of two hours and three minutes.
Spain’s triumph marks their first entry into the Davis Cup semifinals since 2019, setting the stage for a matchup against the winner of the quarterfinal between Argentina and Germany. The ultimate aim will be to reach the finals where they could face either the reigning champions Italy or Belgium.
This victory was particularly sweet for Spain, who had to compete without their top two ranked players. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz had to withdraw due to a leg injury sustained during the ATP Finals, while Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was bypassed by team captain David Ferrer, adding further challenges to the Spanish squad. Nonetheless, the team’s ability to rise above these setbacks underlines their competitive spirit and depth.
As Spain prepares for the semifinal match, their recent performance suggests a team ready to contend for the prestigious title once again.
