Spain takes the lead on the road to the Davis Cup Final 8 | ATP Tour

Davis Cup Finals: Group Stage

Spain is the leader on the way to the Davis Cup Final 8

Beat Australia to close group stage unbeaten

September 15, 2024

The ovation in Valencia was the perfect ending to a week of excitement. Spain completed an impeccable run in the Davis Cup Finals group stage on Sunday, beating Australia (2-1) to round off a full house of victories before thinking about fighting for the Salad Bowl. If La Armada needed a test of strength, the results support a team built to win.

Between two nations already qualified for the Davis Cup Final 8, Spain and Australia played out a series of power-to-power matches. With the lead in Group B at stake, the talent of both powers showed fabulous balance, holding the breath of the fans until the final set of the decisive doubles.

With qualification assured, Spain prioritized resting Carlos Alcaraz and Roberto Bautista Agut in order to show off its depth. In the first match of the day, Pablo Carreño completed one of his most emotional victories of the year by defeating Jordan Thompson 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(3). Then, Alexei Popyrin’s great recent form allowed him to level the series by beating Pedro Martínez 6-4, 6-4.

Far from feeling the blow in front of his home fans, the Valencian redoubled his efforts to form a partnership with Marcel Granollers and star in one of the most intense moments of the weekend. The Spanish duo worked together to overcome a decisive battle 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 against specialists Matthew Ebden and Marcel Purcell, certifying Spain’s first place in the group stage.

Now, the team captained by David Ferrer keeps a very special dream alive on the horizon: the opportunity to conquer the Ensaladera at home in Malaga from 19 to 24 November. The Davis Cup Final 8 will be a challenge in which to aspire to glory alongside nations such as Australia, Argentina, Canada, Italy, the United States and Germany.

Runners-up in the last two editions of the tournament, Australia will once again try to regain the throne. aussiesone of the nations with the longest history in the competition, have gone more than two decades without bringing the Salad Bowl to their showcase. The last Australian trophy dates back to the 2003 season, precisely when they beat Spain in a final played in Melbourne.

GROUP C: Chile 2-1 Slovakia
In a tie without any impact in terms of qualification, Chile closed the group stage with a sweet victory over Slovakia. At the Hengqin International Tennis Center, the South American team recovered after the defeats suffered at the hands of the United States and Germany throughout the week in the competition.

Although access to the Davis Cup Final 8 was not on the table, Chile’s effort was absolute in the three matches of the tie. Cristian Garín opened the door for Chilean hope by coming back from behind to beat Norbert Gombos 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, confirming himself as one of the most reliable South American hopes. Then, Jozek Kovalik responded by putting together a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 victory over Alejandro Tabilo, leaving the tie in the air for the decisive doubles.

The hope of ending on a high note drove the duo formed by Tomás Barrios Vera and Nicolás Jarry. The Chileans joined forces to win a thrilling match 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-6(5) against Norbert Gombos and Lukas Klein, letting two match points slip away before sealing victory in the final set.

The victory allows Chile to finish Group C in third place, above fourth-placed Slovakia, increasing its chances of being seeded in the 2025 Davis Cup qualifying rounds.

Did you know…?
Spain is the nation with the most Davis Cup titles won since 2000. With a total of six Ensaladeras under its belt (2000, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2019), La Armada has recently acquired the status of a major power in the oldest team competition in the world.