Alcaraz keeps Spain and Nadal Davis Cup dream alive / Photo: Jorge GUERRERO - AFP
Alcaraz keeps Spain and Nadal Davis Cup dream alive
Carlos Alcaraz kept Spain and Rafael Nadal's Davis Cup hopes alive by beating Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor to level the quarter-final tie at 1-1 on Tuesday.
The world number three defeated his Dutch opponent 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 to force a doubles decider after the retiring Nadal fell 6-4, 6-4 against Botic van de Zandschulp.
Superstar Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, will call time on his career in professional tennis at the end of Spain's participation in the Davis Cup.
Alcaraz, who has been ill and was knocked out in the group stage of the ATP Finals in Turin last week, was tested by Griekspoor, ranked 40th, in the first set.
The Dutchman broke for a 4-2 lead but Alcaraz immediately broke back, with the set heading to a tie-break.
Roared on by fervent home support Alcaraz raised his game and dominated, winning all seven points.
Finding his rhythm Alcaraz zipped into a 3-0 lead in the second set by breaking in the second game.
Griekspoor was unable to put pressure on Alcaraz's serve and the Spaniard sealed the straight sets win to love in the ninth game.
Alcaraz, who played doubled with Nadal at the Olympics in Paris this summer said this week the latter's impending retirement was "huge motivation" to win the competition.
The 21-year-old will have the chance to send his country through in doubles provided there are no changes to the plan by captain David Ferrer, who selected Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers to face Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp.
T.Murphy--MP
