Six-time champions Spain have battled into the Davis Cup final for the first time since 2019, achieving the feat without their talisman, world number one Carlos Alcaraz.
The Spanish team edged past Germany in a tense semi-final clash in Bologna, with the victory ultimately sealed by a hard-fought win from the doubles pairing of Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez.
Doubles Duo Seals Dramatic Victory
The decisive doubles match was a rollercoaster affair. Granollers and Martinez stormed out of the gates, taking a commanding 6-2 lead in the first set. Germany's Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz fought back fiercely, claiming the second set 6-3 and swinging the momentum in their favour.
Just as a German victory seemed probable, the Spanish pair rediscovered their composure. They broke serve early in the deciding set to establish a 4-1 lead and held their nerve to close out the match 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, sparking celebrations for the Spanish camp.
Spain's captain, David Ferrer, expressed his pride in the team. "I feel really happy. I'm very proud of my players - they fought a lot to be here," Ferrer said. He also looked ahead to the final, acknowledging the challenge posed by Italy, who will also be without their star player, Jannik Sinner.
Carreno Busta's Dream Comeback
With Alcaraz sidelined by a hamstring injury, Spain needed a hero in the singles, and they found one in Pablo Carreno Busta. The world number 89 delivered a gutsy performance to defeat Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 7-6(6).
The victory was far from straightforward. In a dramatic second-set tiebreak, Carreno Busta found himself staring down five consecutive set points, trailing 1-6. In a remarkable display of mental fortitude, he saved all five and went on to clinch the match.
"In a tiebreak we're 6-1 down, of course you are not thinking of winning but just try to be focused on every point," Carreno Busta explained. "For me, to be here on the Spanish team... is probably a dream. A few months ago it was dead - I had my injury on elbow."
Zverev Fights Back Before Spanish Triumph
Germany's hopes were kept alive by world number three Alexander Zverev, who levelled the tie with a determined victory over Spain's Jaume Munar. Zverev won 7-6(2), 7-6(5) in a match lasting just under two hours.
Despite Munar claiming an early break in the second set, Zverev fought back to force a tiebreak, where he ultimately capitalised on a series of forehand errors from the Spaniard to secure the win.
Spain now face defending champions Italy in the final. Italy, chasing a third consecutive Davis Cup crown, advanced by defeating Belgium in the other semi-final. The final promises to be a compelling contest, with both powerhouse nations missing their biggest stars but brimming with team spirit and determination.
