Davis Cup: Rafael Nadal beats Karen Khachanov and equalizes for Spain
Rafael Nadal has equalized for the Spanish Davis Cup team in a duel against Russia. After initially Andrey Rublev had won just against Roberto Baustista Agut , the world number one prevailed against Karen Khachanov in two sets.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Nov 20, 2019, 12:04 am
For once, in the Caja Magica to Madrid but so right Davis Cup atmosphere should arise. The Spanish team met Russia in a group B encounter that had defeated Croatia 3-0 last night.
The opening single was denied by Roberto Bautista Agut and Andrey Rublev. After the Spaniard had won the first set 6: 3, the young Russian beat back in the second round with the same result. At the end of the third session, Rublev had a slightly longer breath and led his country 1-0 with a 3-0, 6-3 and 7-6 (0) win.
So the pressure before the second game on Rafael Nadal . However, as so often in his career, the local hero did not let himself be disturbed and won sentence one against Karen Khachanov 6: 3. After that made the world ranking 17. Although a little more resistance, Nadal remained calm and won the match after defense of a set ball in the second round with 6: 3 and 7: 6 (7).
Thus, the double between Granollers / Feliciano Lopez and Khachanov / Rublev must now bring the decision. In the other two evening games, Canada prevailed against the USA 2-1, Australia also won against Colombia .