In a display of remarkable resilience, Spain has stormed into the Davis Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2019, overcoming the Czech Republic 2-1 in a thrilling comeback victory on Friday, 21st November 2025.
Overcoming Adversity Without Their Star
The Spanish team faced a significant hurdle before a ball was even struck, with world number one Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing on the eve of the crucial tie due to a hamstring injury. This setback put immediate pressure on the rest of the squad. The situation grew more dire when Pablo Carreno Busta, ranked 89th, was defeated in straight sets by the powerful Czech, Jakub Mensik.
Mensik, the world number 19, delivered a commanding performance, firing 20 aces on his way to a 7-5, 6-4 win. After suffering a break midway through the first set, he demonstrated immense composure, breaking back twice to seize the opener and never relinquishing his grip on the match.
The Spanish Fightback Begins
With their backs against the wall, Spain needed a hero, and Jaume Munar answered the call. Munar levelled the tie for Spain with a solid 6-3, 6-4 victory over Jiri Lehecka. The win was particularly special for Munar, marking his first ever Davis Cup triumph. He secured a single break of serve in each set to clinch the vital point and keep Spanish hopes alive.
A Nail-Biting Doubles Decider
The quarter-final was ultimately decided in a tense and entertaining doubles rubber. The Spanish pairing of 39-year-old veteran Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez held their nerve against the Czech duo of Mensik and Tomas Machac. In a match with incredibly fine margins, the Spaniards edged both sets in tiebreaks, winning 7-6(8), 7-6(8) to seal a famous victory for their nation.
In the other quarter-final, Germany mounted a similar comeback against Argentina to book their place in the last four. After Argentina's Tomas Etcheverry won his singles match with a stunning 23 aces, Alexander Zverev replied for Germany to force a decisive doubles. The German pair of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz eventually triumphed 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(10) in a marathon encounter that lasted nearly two and a half hours, saving them from four match points.
Spain will now face Germany in the semi-finals, while hosts Italy, who are also missing key players, will take on Belgium as they pursue a third consecutive Davis Cup title.
