David Ferrer edged out Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a dramatic fifth rubber to book Spain’s spot in the Semi-Finals, where they will face France.
Before the fifth rubber took place, world number one Rafael Nadal dismantled Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-4 6-4 to win his 24th consecutive Davis Cup rubber and level the tie in Valencia at 2-2. The 10 time Roland Garros champion as expected controlled the match from the beginning as he comfortably cruised past the world number four. The win means Nadal is 104-2 in Career best of five sets on clay.
Now that Nadal had done the predictable, we can now get to one of the most dramatic fifth rubbers in history as world number 33 and hometown boy David Ferrer took on world number 34 Philipp Kohlschreiber. Despite the head to head standing at 10-3 Ferrer, both players started off at a fast pace and held comfortably. They shared breaks in games six and seven as the first set was heading towards the tiebreak. The Spaniard, who had three set points saved, remained unfazed as he stormed the tiebreak winning seven of the eight points on offer. Advantage Spain.
However Kohlschreiber was committed to pushing Ferrer all the way and making sure that this match went all the way. Two breaks of serve from a clinical German saw the momentum shift in this rollercoster tie as the 34 year old sealed the second set, 6-3. The third set provided more drama and thrills as they both broke early as they aimed to take advantage of the server. The Spaniard remained resilient as he dug deep to save six break points in the fifth game. A couple of breaks later and the third set would be decided through a tiebreak as the German’s decision making cost him. A dead net cord bounce sealed the set 7-4 in the breaker as Ferrer, Nadal and the rest of the crowd went nuts.
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The fourth set was more routine with very little separating the two players as the crowd started to become excited at the prospect of the Semi-Finals. However Kohlschreiber remained in his zone and an ironic dead net cord bounce sealed the break in the tenth game and the set to force a decider in this epic encounter.
So this one set shootout started with Ferrer taking his first break point opportunity of the set as the crowd roared in delight and relief. The veteran Spaniard settled into his rhythm as he tried to keep his nerve as the finishing line was seemingly edging closer. Although Ferrer was comfortable, the conditions had a very big effect on the match as a few awkward bounces made life difficult and sealed a break of serve for Kohlschreiber to level at 3-3.
The German had gained control and looked like he was going to break Spanish dreams as he took a more aggressive approach to the final set. However a slight lack of concentration and tiredness in the eleventh game cost the German as Ferrer sent Valencia wild with a break of serve. The hometown boy made no mistake and at 36 years of age sealed a 4 hour and 51 minute victory to book Spain’s place in the Semi-Finals.
Ferrer Delight As Kohlschreiber Suffers
Here is what the two players had to say after their incredible battle.
David Ferrer:
“I try to focus. It was very difficult and it was not easy for both players. The win was a dream for me and now I want to enjoy this moment and was one of the best moments of my life.”
Philipp Kohlschreiber
“This is one of the hardest losses of my career. Credit to Ferrer, He is a real competitor. The misses at 5-5 are still in my head. I hope my thoughts will be more positive tomorrow.”
The win means Spain remain unbeaten at home since 1999 and reach their first Semi-Final since 2012. As for Germany it is more heartbreak as their wait for the Semis continues, a feat they haven’t reached for over ten years. Spain will now travel to France in September.
