Three out of three. Spain sealed its qualification for the final phase of the Davis Cup after defeating Australia 2-1 this Sunday in a tight series that was decided in a doubles match.
Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martínez, who replaced Pablo Carreño at the last minute, achieved a convincing victory (5-7, 6-4, 6-4) against the experienced pairing of Mathew Ebden and Max Purcell in a match where they clearly went from less to more to finish their tennis at key moments.
The first set developed at a blistering pace, with both teams adding service games with great authority and force. In this dynamic of the game, the set seems to be headed for sudden deathbut in the twelfth game, with Pedro Martínez serving, the Australians managed for the first time to pressure the rest and make three set points with 0-40, of which they took advantage of the second with a good direct return . point from Purcell.
The Spanish couple did not let up and in the third game they made their first break points with 15-40. The Australians neutralized the Spaniards’ advantage but two good points from Pedro Martínez, first to others and then to the net, managed to break Ebden’s serve.
Spain got an important loot and defended it with everything, especially with the services of Martínez where the Australians redoubled their efforts to try to recover the ‘break’. The Hispanic duo achieved their goal and won the second set 6-4.
Ebden and Purcell tried to apply pressure from the start of the final heat and They have 2-0 points on the service of Granollersbut the Spanish pair knew how to endure a tough game to prevent their rivals from gaining distance on the scoreboard.
The Spanish resisted and the Australians hesitated. Purcell, the best server of the four players on the court, was unable to play the first serves in the fifth game and the Spaniard did not miss a chance to break serve. Granolles consolidated the break (4-2) and the ‘aussies’ started to be on the ropes.
It was enough for Spain to win its two service games to win the match, the series and first place in the group. Neither Marcel nor Pedro failed and Spain achieved their fifth return of the seven points they have won this week
The morning series started in the best way. Pablo Carreño defeats Jordan Thompson 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(3) in an epic duel who lost 5-2 in the third set
An early break cost him the entire first set. As early as the seventh game Carreño looked to be in a position to level the set, but he was unable to take advantage of a 0-40 lead and ended up giving away the first set in the next game on another break.
The second set was completely different. After an even start where both held their serves, Carreño took a step forward and managed to effectively break his rival’s powerful serve.
Result? Two consecutive breaks allowed him to close out the second set on the fast track (6-2) and take the match to the third set.
There the Australian again showed his best version and, thanks to a break in the fourth game, he dominated the set until 5-2, where Carreño reacted and managed to equalize at five to the delirium of the assembled public this Sunday at Fonteta.
After both held their serve, the match was decided in a tiebreak with the Spaniard back on track with an initial 3-0. Despite Thompson’s attempts, Carreño was able to maintain his advantage and put Spain ahead in the series.
Pedro Martinez He had a chance to close the series on his debut in this edition of the Davis Cup. The Valencian, who replaced Carlos Alcaraz, who David Ferrer preferred to rest after securing qualification on Friday against France, fell 6-4, 6-4 against one of the most in-form players of recent weeks, Alexei Popyrin.
Martínez started strong and scored his first service games with ease but, As the match progressed, the Australian became more comfortable and achieved the break in the fifth game.
That slight advantage was enough for Popyrin to close out the first set 6-4.
The second set started at 3-3, with the Australian showing her best tennis to achieve a break that would ultimately be decisive for the future of the set and the match, which closed with another 6-4.
Spain, therefore, leads the group until the final stage of the Davis Cupwhich will be held in Malaga from November 19 to 24.
Source: La Verdad
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