(AP) Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco had to work harder than expected to give Spain the winning point in Saturday’s doubles match to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead over Denmark in the Davis Cup’s second-tier relegation playoff.
The Spanish pair overcame unheralded Danish duo Frederik Nielsen and Thomas Kromann 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4.
After the match, Rafa said:
It was important for us to win this tie after losing some in a row. It gives us the chance to fight next year to go back to the world group.
Spain’s Fernando Verdasco, Rafael Nadal, Thomas Kromann and Frederik Lochte Nielsen pose before a Davis Cup tennis match in Odense, Denmark September 19, 2015. REUTERS/Frank Cilius/Scanpix Denmark
Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco of Spain during their men’s doubles Davis Cup tennis match against Denmark in Odense, Denmark September 19, 2015. REUTERS/Frank Cilius/Scanpix Denmark
Photo: Peter Tvermoes
Fernando Verdasco and Rafael Nadal of Spain discuss tactics during the first set with team coach Conchita Martinez during their men’s doubles Davis Cup tennis match against Denmark in Odense, Denmark September 19, 2015. REUTERS/Frank Cilius/Scanpix Denmark
Rafael Nadal of Spain is pictured behind the net during a men’s doubles Davis Cup tennis match against Denmark in Odense, Denmark September 19, 2015. REUTERS/Frank Cilius/Scanpix Denmark
Rafael Nadal of Spain during a men’s doubles Davis Cup tennis match against Denmark in Odense, Denmark September 19, 2015. REUTERS/Frank Cilius/Scanpix Denmark ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. DENMARK OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN DENMARK.
Photo: Peter Tvermoes
Photo: Tennis TourTalk
Photo: Peter Tvermoes
Rafa had helped build a 2-0 lead by winning his singles match on Friday, his first appearance for Spain in two years. The five-time winners had lost three straight matches without him to slip into the second tier of the competition.
This win means Spain stays in Group 1 for the Europe-Africa Zone, while Denmark will play Sweden in a second relegation round.
Source: The Associated Press
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CONGRATS TO RAFA AND FERNANDO, STAY HEALTHY AND POSITIVE, God bless you, love, Marylynn
Happy to see you look so excited for the win. Positive thinking goes a long way to success!
Congrats Rafa. So happy for you and the team.
Well done Darlings well done .. Congrats to the team,
VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : )
VAMOS! 😍 Saw this match live and wauw what an fantastic experience 😃🎾👏 Like a dream 🌟💕 Great play from both teams – Thx 😊👍 See you again tomorrow – looking forward to it 😘
happy for the win Rafa ! Keep strong and positive !