Alcaraz sends Spain to Davis Cup Final 8

Shaking off the disappointment of his modest U.S. hard court season, Carlos Alcaraz has led Spain to the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8 with a 6-3, 6-3 win Friday against France’s Ugo Humbert in Valencia.

"The level that I played from the beginning to the last ball, I was really focused, really intense. It was probably one of the best matches I have played this year and after my last month I need these kind of matches," said the World No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

Earlier in the day, Roberto Bautista Agut rallied to a 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over Arthur Fils, who served for the match at 5-4 in the second set.

Alcaraz said that the team atmosphere of Davis Cup was just what he needed to spark him out of a mini slump, which saw him lose to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the US Open following an opening-round loss to Gael Monfils in Cincinnati.

"I need this week, being with the team, with all the players, all the staff from the Federation,” Alcaraz said. “Having them cheer me on in every point. Off the court we have a really good relationship. I need this atmosphere and these matches where I feel I am not playing alone. My energy is getting higher."

Sit back & enjoy some @carlosalcaraz MAGIC ?⚡️@DavisCup | #DavisCup
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Spain, the six-time Davis Cup champions registered a dominant 3-0 win over Czechia on Wednesday. A win over Australia on Sunday would see them finish at the top of the Group B table.

Australia, poised to make the Final 8 with Spain, also has two victories: a 3-0 win over Czechia and a 2-1 win over France.

Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori led Italy to a 2-1 victory against Belgium after a decisive 7-6 (2), 7-5 win over Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen on Friday in Bologna. Italy, the 2023 champion, now sits atop Group A with a 2-0 lead.

After Matteo Berrettini and Zizou Bergs split wins earlier in the day, the tie was decided by the doubles rubber. Berrettini got Italy off to a solid start with a 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 win over Alexander Blockx in the first singles match of the day. He notched his fifth consecutive singles victory for Italy in the Davis Cup. Bergs responded by beating Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-0, avenging his loss to World No. 32 at the US Open two weeks ago.

Captained by Filippo Volandri, Italy also won 2-1 against Brazil on Wednesday. Despite Jannik Sinner’s absence, the defending champion will qualify for the Final 8 if it beats The Netherlands on Sunday.

Belgium will face Brazil on Saturday as it looks to stay in contention for a spot in the Final 8. Belgium defeated The Netherlands 2-1 on Tuesday. The Dutchmen, who also remain hopeful of advancing to Malaga, notched their sole win by defeating Brazil 2-1 on Thursday.

[NEWSLETTER FORM]