Spanish Cuppers grab 2-0 advantage

LONDON—Defending champion Spain staked its claim to a place in another Davis Cup final by taking a 2-0 lead over the United States on Friday.

David Ferrer put the hosts ahead in the best-of-five series in Gijon with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win over Sam Querrey. Nicolas Almagro followed up by defeating John Isner, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, despite a spirited performance from the American.

The other semifinal remains finely balanced with Argentina and the Czech Republic locked 1-1 after the opening singles in Buenos Aires.

An injured and emotional Juan Martin del Potro beat Radek Stepanek, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2, but teammate Juan Monaco lost, 6-1, 4-6, 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, to Tomas Berdych.

The action continues with Saturday’s doubles.

In Gijon, Ferrer and Almagro  improved to 23-1 on clay in Davis Cup action.

Almagro overcame 25 aces from Isner, who saved three match points before hitting a forehand long to leave the reigning titlists one point away from their fourth final in five years.

The US has only overturned an 0-2 deficit once in 38 ties—in 1934 against Australia. Since the start of World Group play, Spain is 37-0 after winning both the opening singles.

“After the effort the Americans showed today, we know that final point won’t be easy,” Spain captain Alex Corretja said. “They’ve shown they’ve come here to give everything.”

The US has to win Saturday’s doubles to stay alive, and will feel confident about their chance with American brothers Mike and Bob Bryan facing Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez. The Bryan twins are 4-0 when the US is facing a 2-0 deficit, and are 5-0 against Spain.

“Nothing’s impossible,” US captain Jim Courier said.

Del Potro, who was told by doctors not to play with the inflamed left wrist, broke down crying afterward as he addressed cheering fans at the outdoor clay-court venue.

Stepanek suggested afterward that Del Potro may have exaggerated the injury—a bit of gamesmanship—to gain Argentina an advantage. AP