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Davis Cup: Germany, France advance to quarters
Tommy Haas and Philipp Kohlschreiber secured Germany's place in the Davis Cup quarterfinals by winning their doubles match Saturday for an unassailable 3-0 lead over Spain.
Tommy Haas and Philipp Kohlschreiber secured Germany's place in the Davis Cup quarterfinals by winning their doubles match Saturday for an unassailable 3-0 lead over Spain.
The Germans held their nerve to beat Fernando Verdasco and David Marrero 7-6 (5), 6-7 (9), 7-6 (7), 6-3 in 3 hours, 25 minutes, giving Spain its second straight first-round exit. Spain lost to Canada last year.
The 35-year-old Haas served out the match to give Germany its first victory over Spain since 1994, and then led the celebrations in front of the enthusiastic home crowd.
Germany will next play France or Australia in the quarterfinals in April, while five-time champion Spain faces a World Group playoff in September.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet beat Lleyton Hewitt and Chris Guccione 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-2, 7-5 to give France an unassailable 3-0 lead over Australia and a spot in the quarters.
