Germany and Spain set for Davis Cup semi-final showdown after thrilling comebacks

Both teams came from behind to secure 2-1 wins.

For Germany, the path to the semi-finals was a rollercoaster. Argentina struck first when world No. 60 Tomás Martín Etcheverry produced a masterclass in serving, firing 23 aces to edge Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6(3), 7-6(7). Struff had been ahead in both sets, but the tie-breaks swung in Etcheverry's favor, giving Argentina an early lead.

Germany's hope rested on Olympic gold medallist Alexander Zverev, the only top-10 singles player competing this week. Despite not being at his absolute best, Zverev delivered a composed performance to defeat world No. 21 Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 7-6(3), leveling the tie and setting up a decisive doubles rubber.

The doubles encounter between Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz and the Argentine duo of Horacio Zeballos and Andres Molteni turned into a dramatic marathon lasting two hours and 31 minutes. Argentina quickly seized the first set 6-4, but the German pair bounced back to take the second 6-4. The third set went to an extended tie-break, where Krawietz and Puetz saved three match points before finally clinching victory 7-6(12-10).

Germany will now face Spain in Saturday's semi-final in Bologna. Spain, meanwhile, overcame the absence of world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz due to a hamstring injury, proving their depth and resilience. They fell behind early when Pablo Carreno Busta was beaten 7-5, 6-4 by Czech world No. 19 Jakub Mensik, who fired 20 aces in the process. However, Jaume Munar leveled the tie with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Jiri Lehecka.

The Spaniards then sealed their comeback in the doubles match, where veteran Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez edged Tomas Machac and Mensik 7-6(10-8), 7-6(10-8). The victory marks Spain's first appearance in the Davis Cup semi-finals in six years.

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