“At that point, you're just praying they make a double fault”

A meeting that started inauspiciously turned into great joy in the Supertennis Arena in Bologna for Spanish tennis at Davis Cup level: the first semi-final qualification since 2019. At that time, the Iberians also won the title, again Rafael Nadal he was the undisputed leader.

This time, with David Ferrerthe former world number 3, non-playing captain, and without being able to count on the world's number one player, Carlos Alcarazemotions and success were shared between Jaume Munar, Marcel Granollers, Pedro Martinez and Pablo Carreno Bust.

The latter lost with Jakub Mensikbut he didn't play badly. Munar, on the other hand, proved that the progress from 2025, when he reached his career-best place, the current one, 36, is a long-term construction. He defeated the Jiri Leheckaagainst whom he had lost two other previous games.

Jaume Munar: “With or without Carlos, we cling to what we have”

“I had a lot of confidence in my tennis, no matter who my opponent is, because I played very well indoors this year. This is the first and most important thing“, he told the press after the game.

“Then, after two losses against Jiri, I felt I could do something different from the previous occasions. Just to be there point by point, try to apply my strategy and serve well, like I did today,” he added.

Jaume Munar in action at the Davis Cup Finals Photo: Imago Images

Returning to the team this year for the first time since his debut in 2017, he lost in September's Marbella qualifier to Denmark's Elmer Moller. “Going on the field at 0-1 is something I've been working on ever since. Now I'm pretty focused on my tennis, my goals, my strategy, trying to put it into practice on the court. That's what I was thinking. Nothing else“, assured Munar.

With or without Carlos, we must cling to what we have, without thinking about what we would have liked it to be. And we have a lot, this is our mentality, it was our strength even when we had Nadal and Ferrer, who are the best exponents of this determination, and now it is the same for us – Jaume Munar

David Ferrer: “Let's get to 1-1, then take care of Marcel”

The point that clinched the victory was brought by the Granollers-Martinez double. “Let's get to 1-1, then take care of Marcel“, Ferrer told his players. And so it happened. The 39-year-old veteran, this year's champion at Roland Garros and the US Open together with the Argentinian Horacio Zeballos, fully showed his experience and qualities.

“As a doubles player, I know the format. I know I can come and not play,” Marcel Granollers said afterward. “We always hope to win both singles matches because it's best for the team. We are here to help with whatever is needed. Today the score was 1-1 and Pedro and I tried to help the team with a win and we are happy that we did it“.

Excited, Pedro Martínez did not hide his feelings, especially at the end, the doubles match ending with two wrong serves by Jakub Mensik.

“Thanks, Jakub, for the double mistake. What can I say? At that point, you're just praying that they double-fault, because we didn't want to return the punt. Of course, at that time it is a wonderful gift“, he said with a smile.

6 titlesin Davis Cup has Spain, in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2019

David Ferrer: “I have the best doubles player in the world”

For his part, captain David Ferrer emphasized that he is very proud of his players. He also noticed Carreno Busta – “he fought throughout the match” – then he praised Munar – “he played one of his best matches” – and kept the whipped cream for the double.

Pedro Martinez and Marcel Granollers at Davis Cup Finals 2025 Photo: Imago Images

“With Marcel and Pedro, in my opinion, I have the best doubles player in the world,” he said, naming Granollers. “It's easier for me because, after all, he's the leader of the team. In important moments, he knows what to do. He was very brave in the key points at the end of the sets“, concluded Ferrer.