David Ferrer’s Spanish squad are set to compete in the Davis Cup final on Sunday after defeating a spirited German team in the semi-finals.
Ferrer’s squad, who are without talisman Carlos Alcaraz, defeated Germany 2-1 in Saturday’s tie.
Former US Open semi-finalist Pablo Carreno Busta defeated Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 7-6, before world number three Alexander Zverev defeated Jaume Munar 7-6, 7-6.
In the deciding fixture, Pedro Martinez and Marcel Granollers defeated 2024 ATP Finals champions Tim Putz and Kevin Krawietz.
Spain will play Italy in Sunday’s final. Italy defeated Belgium in the other semi-final tie on Friday.
David Ferrer dismisses the notion of Spain being at a disadvantage
Heading into Sunday’s final, the Spanish team – who defeated Czechia in the quarter-finals – have had 24 hours less to prepare for the final than their Italian opponents.
This is because Italy contested their match against Belgium on Friday, while Spain triumphed over Germany on Saturday.
David Ferrer offered his thoughts on the matter when responding to a journalist’s question during Spain’s post-tie press conference on Saturday evening.
The reporter asked: “It is 28 years that Italy has not beaten Spain in Davis Cup. We won Pesaro ’97, Moya.
“I’d like to know, do you think playing today is a bit of a disadvantage because your players could be a little tired and they have 24 hours less of rest, or doesn’t make any difference because they are professional?”
Ferrer responded: “The most important is that we’re in the Final. That’s the most important. Of course, we’re playing in Bologna. It’s a home of Italy.
“They deserve because they won the last two times Davis Cup. We agree with that. We have been playing in Spain last year, the last three years.
“We never did Final, so now is time to know that and to accept that tomorrow, in case that we lose, is not because the lose like this, is because maybe Italy deserve to win.
“We’re going to be ready to fight and to have a chance to win.”
Carlos Alcaraz reacts to Spain’s semi-final victory
Carlos Alcaraz, who was unable to play for Spain at this year’s Davis Cup Finals, has reacted to his country’s victory against Germany.
On X [Twitter], the Spaniard posted a message saying ‘vamos’ before adding: “Manana a por.”
Alcaraz was unable to play for his nation after suffering a muscle edema in his right hamstring in the final of the ATP Finals.
Alcaraz will now look ahead to the Australian Open – a tournament where he could complete the career Grand Slam.
