Carlos Alcaraz (Xinhua file photo)
VALENCIA – Spain defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 in the opening tie of their Davis Cup group after Carlos Alcaraz and Roberto Bautista won their singles matches on Wednesday.
Alcaraz, world No. 1, had lost the opening set of his match against Tomas Machac after a tie-break, but Machac began to suffer with an injury in the second set and retired after Alcaraz had leveled their match after claiming the second set 6-1.
Bautista won the opening match of the day as he celebrated his return to the Davis Cup with a 7-6(1), 6-4 won against Jiri Lehecka, who at 37th in the world rankings, is several places above the Spaniard.
Speaking after his win, he celebrated his success in the city close to his hometown of Castellon de la Plana.
"I have experienced the best things of my life in my career in this competition, and playing in Valencia, in this stadium where I was able to play two years ago, is very special. I am very happy to have given Spain its first point," Bautista said.
In the doubles match, Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers beat Jakub Mensik and Adam Pavlasek 6-7(2), 6-3, 7-6(2). (Xinhua)
