Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez fought off a brave challenge from the Indian duo of Leander Paes and Saketh Myneni in the doubles rubber to hand Spain an unassailable 3-0 lead in their Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie in New Delhi on Saturday.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal (L) and Marc Lopez play against India’s Leander Peas and Saketh Myneni during their doubles tennis match during the Davis Cup World Group playoffs between Spain and India in New Delhi on September 17, 2016. AFP/Sajjad Hussain

Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during the doubles match of the Tennis Davis Cup World Group Play-Off tie between Spain and India in New Delhi, India, 17 September 2016. (España, Tenis) EFE/EPA/RAJAT GUPTA

Davis Cup

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the doubles match of the Tennis Davis Cup World Group Play-Off tie between Spain and India in New Delhi, India, 17 September 2016. (España, Tenis) EFE/EPA/RAJAT GUPTA

EFE/EPA/Rajat Gupta

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the doubles match of the Tennis Davis Cup World Group Play-Off tie between Spain and India in New Delhi, India, 17 September 2016. (España, Tenis) EFE/EPA/RAJAT GUPTA

Davis Cup

Spain’s Marc Lopez (L) and Rafael Nadal (C) leave the court after winning the doubles match of the Tennis Davis Cup World Group Play-Off tie between Spain and India in New Delhi, India, 17 September 2016. (España, Tenis) EFE/EPA/RAJAT GUPTA

The Indians troubled the gold medal winners at last month’s Rio Olympics throughout the contest before going down 6-4, 6-7, 4-6, 4-6 in three hours and 23 minutes.

After the match, Rafa said:

For us it was a very important confrontation after two years being away from the World Group. It’s important for us to come back to where we think we have to be.

But the India team is a great team and I want to say many thanks to all the fans here in India. For me it is a very special country and it is a place that is very close to my heart.

Sources: Davis Cup, IANS