Eurosport - Mon, 13 Jul 12:48:00 2009
Juan Carlos Ferrero beat Andreas Beck 6-4 6-4 6-4 to seal a 3-2 victory for champions Spain over Germany in their Davis Cup quarter-final in Marbella.
For reports from the other ties see the links below the picture.
Spain were in danger of suffering a first home defeat in 16 ties after Philipp Kohlschreiber repelled a stirring Fernando Verdasco fightback in the first reverse singles on the clay in Marbella to level the tie at 2-2.
But captain Albert Costa's gamble to play Ferrero in the reverse singles instead of Tommy Robredo, who lost in straight sets to Kohlschreiber on Friday, paid off as the former world number one dispatched the inexperienced Beck with relative ease.
Spain, who were without injured world number two Rafael Nadal, will again have home advantage in the semi-finals against surprise package Israel, who stunned Russia to qualify for the last four of the Davis Cup for the first time.
Croatia host the Czech Republic in the other last-four clash after the Croats dispatched the United States in Porec and the Czechs beat last year's runners-up Argentina in Ostrava.
Former French Open champion Ferrero wobbled serving for the match at 5-2 in the third set when Beck broke his serve but the 29-year-old made no mistake the second time to send the boisterous crowd wild with delight.
"It's been a long time since I was in the team because we are blessed with such a lot of great players," said Ferrero, who last played for Spain in September 2005 and was a late replacement for the injured David Ferrer.
"Playing the last match is always hard and we suffered right down to the last point but I am over the moon."
Kohlschreiber dominated Verdasco in the opening two sets in the earlier singles but appeared to wilt in the searing heat at the adapted bullring before digging deep to close out a 6-4 6-2 1-6 2-6 8-6 victory.
Verdasco saved a match point at 5-3 down in the final set but Kohlschreiber converted his second in the 14th game with a return winner down the line to keep Germany in with a chance of a first appearance in the semi-finals since 2007.
"You have to be so ready for these matches and I've had some good Davis Cup wins," the German said. "I see it as a step forward and it's a pleasure playing for Germany."
Comment 11 - 30 of 30
casius clay, post 28
Spain won davis'08, and i'm spaniard and i hope spain win davis'09 too, but I know there are no wek rival in sport, and just when the game is over we know the winer, so I whish to say congrats Spain, but if the winer is Israel I will say congrats. Israel. thanks
webbski, post 1
you're alright, but in my opinion the most important about Davis is the possibility to play not for yourself but for your team, your country (thats mean honor, glory, not money, not points). And when a few players understand the special think the Davis is, and play pasionately and all of them feel they take part of this, the Davis become important and it should never be cancelled. thanks
congrats spain well done guys
get well soon rafa we missed you
It's tremendous to see both Ferrero and Lleyton coming back from all their misfortunes
and playing winning tennis. And also to see that A.Rod has gone up to number 5. I was gutted when he got broken for the 1st time in the last game in the final. He was the better player but RF knows HOW TO WIN having done it 15 times.
Well done Spain!!!
And Congratulations for Ferrero, it was a pleasure to see you again.
at least, Spain reach the final...the soon rival, israel, has not level to win spain. i hope spain wins davis cup again!
Spain to win the Davis Cup this year yet again......Nadal will be alright for the semis and finals as well...VAMOS Spain
Well done Spain !!! and what an awesone win by Ferrero !!! The guy Ferrero deserved better at Winbledon if it wasn't because of Murray great serves. Now when it counts at his age he still shows great stamina skill and will to win. Excellent Win. Fu.cking brilliant!!
spin gonna to be sookes she lose to isreal...
alll allll isreal!
spain and argentina need nuking
Spains strength in depth is tremendous. Unless i miss something what happend to Ferrer ? Verdasco's been a bit on the decline lately his form has slipped alot since early on year but i dont see isreal as a problem for spain.
I agree with you, AJ.there's NO point in sending all these childish comments. NO point.
Come on you people stop all this rubbish on this site its for true tennis fans so lets talk tennis.Please don't be horrible to one another its not nice and its being very child like enough said.thank you.
I also like to "Double up";D
Hihihihihihihihihihihihihihihi
Love Jess xxx
I said "doubles will be the key".
Ok, now one match more!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andy Murray is my idol,he plays well,he's an adorable guy and he's so gorgeous hihiihi:D Hisbest quality:he's scottish hihihihihhihihihihii Love rc_alcock
Hello guys;D
Love Jess xxx
;)
I am quite,mad i am hadjeseles,rc_alcock,jexbj,coolworld,and i love to look at ROGER FEDERER'S bottom when he's,playing tennis do you think me a little CHEEKY;D
Hihihihihihhihihihihihihihihihihihihihihihihih ihihihiihhihihiihhi
Love Jess xxx
Hello everybody and guys,the doctors dressed in white have just arrived,at my squat to take me away,but don't,worry guys i will tell them,that it is all Alcok's fault and,will be back soon,in the meantime thanky you AJ for your great support (please see post 5) At least i have one,friend i,can count on;D Vamos espana (after France) No guys I do not need a straight jacket;D
love rc_alcock,David and hadjeseles(well,sometimes:D) xxx
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