Spain and Germany battled through deciding doubles matches to secure their spots in the Davis Cup semifinals in Bologna, Italy, setting up a highly anticipated clash between the two tennis powerhouses.
Both nations won their quarterfinal ties on Thursday after tense encounters that came down to the final doubles rubber.
Six-time champions Spain overcame the Czech Republic, while Germany defeated Argentina. Their semifinal match is scheduled for Saturday.
Spain’s path to the semifinals began with a singles loss. Pablo Carreño-Busta, ranked 89th in the world, fell to Jakub Mensik, world No. 19, by scores of 7-5, 6-4.
Jaume Munar, world No. 36, leveled the tie for Spain by defeating Jiri Lehecka, world No. 17, 6-3, 6-4.
The decisive doubles match saw Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martínez defeat Tomas Machac and Mensik 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (10-8), despite the Czech pair wasting five set points. Spain competed without world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who is out due to injury.
Germany’s quarterfinal against Argentina followed a similar pattern. Jan Lennard-Struff, world No. 84, lost to Tomas Martin Etcheverry, world No. 60, in two tie-break sets, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (9-7).
World No. 3 Alexander Zverev brought Germany back into the tie by beating Francisco Cerundolo, ranked 21st, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).
In the crucial doubles rubber, Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz triumphed over Andrés Molteni and Horácio Zeballos. They won 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (12-10), needing five match points and saving three against them to seal the victory.
The other Davis Cup semifinal features two-time champions Italy against Belgium, with that match scheduled to be played today. The tournament final is set for Sunday in Bologna.