Rafael Nadal motivated Spain into their 1st Davis Cup last since 2012 as he collaborated with Feliciano Lopez to verify a dramatic last 4 wins against Britain in Madrid. The hosts trailed 1-0 after Lopez’s singles beat by Kyle Edmund pervious day, however Nadal whipped Dan Evans before defeating Lopez in a 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (10/8) victory in the mixed double over Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski. Spain will confront Canada in Sunday’s last match after the North Americans won their semi-final against Russia, which was likewise chosen in the doubles rubber.
It was a special minute for us, a unique chance, said the 38-year-old Lopez. We have a great chance to win this competition here at home. Denis Shapovalov and Vasek Pospisil sent Canada into their Davis Cup masterpiece by edging Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev.
Five-time champions Spain were obliged to world number 1 Nadal for a virtuoso presentation as the 33 year old proceeds with his quest for a 5th Davis Cup crown, having 1st lifted the title himself in 2004. Nadal said “. This competition is always dramatic, especially with the new format”. It’s really, really special. “Thank you to Feli (Lopez) and to the crowd who were amazing as well. Spain lost their last Davis Cup final to the Czech Republic six years ago,” he added.
Edmund had before accepted the decision of captain Leon Smith to choose him in ahead of 3 times Grand Slam champion Andy by listing off Lopez 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). Be that as it may, Nadal swatted aside Evans 6-4, 6-0 to set up the doubles. However saw a break point go and come in the eleventh match of the 1st set before losing a tie-break. The Britons saw 4 set points pass them by in the 2nd set, losing 3 for the breaker, with Nadal sparing one by creating an amazing hurl on the stretch. The last match was sealed on a 2nd match point. Rafa (Nadal) plays like this from the 1st round in each match. Prior on Saturday, the 20-year-old Shapovalov had drawn Canada level by beating Khachanov after Rublev’s success over Pospisil in the opening match. Canada team captain Frank Dancevic said “The Canadian pair at that point pushed out Khachanov and Rublev in an exciting choosing set tie-break. I thought the two groups played exceptional”.
