Rafa Jódar won convincingly against Cristian Garín 6-0 and 6-2 and added the second point for Spain in the tie against Chile, which puts the team led by David Ferrer one step away from the final phase of the Davis Cup to be held in November in Bologna (Italy).
Read more Pedro Martínez inaugurates his era at Real Madrid by winning the UEFA Super Cup
Spain, with two debutants, highlighted the great form of its two players to steer the victory and cause Chile’s first home defeat in 15 years.
The Chilean team has never lost at home with Nicolás Massu as captain and has gone twelve consecutive ties undefeated as hosts. Now, against Spain, they are one match away from ending that good streak.
Jódar took one hour and 4 minutes to beat Garín. Previously, Dani Mérida, who was also debuting with the Spanish team, made a comeback and won against Alejandro Tabilo, 5-7, 6-3, and 6-3, putting Spain ahead against Chile.
The series, now with a 2-0 advantage for Spain, will be completed on Sunday, with the doubles match between Tomas Barrios Vera and Alejandro Tabilo against Pedro Martínez and Jaume Munar. Afterwards, Alejandro Tabilo will face Rafa Jódar and Cristian Garín will play against Dani Mérida.
Just one win in the remaining three matches qualifies Spain for the final eight to be played in Bologna in November.