Alcaraz wins in Davis Cup return as Spain beat Czechia
Carlos Alcaraz has returned to Davis Cup action for the first time in almost two years, with the Spaniard leading his country to a 3-0 win over Czechia in their opening finals tie in Valencia on Wednesday.
Alcaraz took on world No.35 Tomas Machac in his singles match, showing some initial rust as he dropped the opening set in a tiebreaker.
The four-time Grand Slam champion soon found top gear, however, racing through the second set 6-1 before Machac had to bow out due to cramps.
“After a really difficult and tough first set, I knew that I had to stay tough, stay positive and play long rallies,” Alcaraz said afterwards.
“I think he played more matches in the American swing. He played tough matches in New York.
“Then coming here, different conditions, different everything. It’s difficult to get used to.”
Alcaraz took to the court a second time on Wednesday, playing doubles alongside Marcel Granollers against Czechia’s Jakub Mensik and Adam Pavlasek.
The match went down to the wire, with Alcaraz and Granollers prevailing 6-7 (2), 6-3, 7-6 (2) to hand Spain a clean sweep after Roberto Bautista Agut won his singles clash against Jiri Lehecka in straight sets.
“It’s a special feeling for me playing here in Valencia, Davis Cup,” Alcaraz said.
“I missed last year. This year, I’m really excited about it.”
Tennis bookmakers had Spain pegged as -222.22 favourites to win their opening tie, with Czechia paying +165 to spring the upset.
Great Britain, USA and Italy also win Davis Cup ties
Alongside Spain, the other victors on day two of the Davis Cup Finals were Great Britain, USA and Italy.
The Brits were without singles star Jack Draper, but Billy Harris and Dan Evans stepped up as they beat Finland 2-1 in Manchester.
“I’m absolutely thrilled for Billy — I think that’s one of the best debuts you’ll have seen,” British captain Leon Smith said after world No.101 Harris prevailed over Otto Virtanen in his Davis Cup debut.
“If you look at Otto’s record over the past couple of years in the Davis Cup it’s pretty flawless.”
Team USA claimed a 3-0 win over Chile, with the big-serving Reilly Opelka smashing an incredible 27 aces in his win over Cristian Garin, while the in-form Brandon Nakashima upset world No.22 Alejandro Tabilo.
“It was truly an epic day of tennis for both teams,” American captain Bob Bryan said after Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram sealed the clean sweep with a win in the doubles.
“Everyone showed a lot of heart, a lot of guts.
“Hats off to the Chileans. Hats off to our guys who were really digging deep, especially in the big moments.”
Over in Bologna, Italy edged out Brazil 2-1 with wins for Matteo Berrettini and Matteo Arnaldi in the singles.