 Spain books return trip to Davis Cup final
2009-09-19 13:36:00
Murcia, Spain (Sports Network) - Spain will play for another Davis Cup title after the duo of Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo posted a four-set victory over the Israeli tandem of Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram for an insurmountable 3-0 lead in their best-of-five semifinal tie. Lopez and Robredo notched a 7-6 (8-6), 6-7 (7-9), 6-4, 6-2 triumph, sending the defending Davis Cup champs into a December title tilt with the Czech Republic. The Czechs also finished off Croatia on Saturday with a doubles triumph for a 3-0 edge.
Despite playing without the injured Rafael Nadal, the Spaniards were heavy favorites to beat Israel, which was appearing in its first-ever Davis Cup semifinal.
David Ferrer blitzed through Harel Levy, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3, in the first of Friday's singles rubbers to give Spain the lead. Juan Carlos Ferrero then made short work of Dudi Sela, 6-4, 6-2, 6-0, for a commanding 2-0 advantage.
Saturday's doubles rubber was interesting for two sets, but Robredo clinched the match with a backhand volley, as Spain won its 17th straight home tie.
Spain won its third Davis Cup crown last year with a triumph at Argentina. In December, the Spaniards will host the Czechs and will have their choice of surface -- which is again likely to be red clay as it was for this tie.
Israel, which knocked off Sweden in the first round and Russia in the quarterfinals, fell to 0-4 all-time against Spain in Davis Cup play.
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