tennis
Argentina is looking to capture its first ever Davis Cup championship
22.11.08 - 12:34 -
López returns the ball during Friday's match.
Spain's Feliciano López fought from a set down to defeat Argentina's Juan Martín del Potro 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 in Friday's second singles match at the Davis Cup final in Argentina, evening the tie at one match apiece.
Already behind the eight ball because of the absence of injured world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, things were looking bleak for the Spaniards after David Nalbandian dispatched David Ferrer with ease 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in the opening match.
But the journeyman López, currently ranked No. 31, came to his country's rescue with some clutch play against the 20-year-old Del Potro, one of the rising stars on the ATP Tour.
The Argentine was already struggling with a toe injury coming into the match and then midway through the fourth set his problems were compounded when he suffered a pulled leg muscle.
The host Argentines chose a fast, hard-court surface for the final, hoping to make life difficult for Nadal, a master of slow, red clay. But the strategy backfired somewhat on Friday, as the aggressive, net-rushing López felt at home at the facility in this seaside resort and held serve comfortably for most of the match.
Next up is Saturday's doubles, which will pit López and Fernando Verdasco against the Argentine pair of Agustín Calleri and José Acasuso.
The reverse singles will then be played on Sunday, with Del Potro - if healthy - scheduled to play Ferrer and Nalbandian slated to meet López, if necessary.
Argentina is looking to capture its first ever Davis Cup championship, while Spain is seeking to cap off an incredible sporting year that has included a victory for its soccer squad at the Euro 2008, Carlos Sastre's win at the Tour de France and titles for Nadal at the French Open, Wimbledon and Olympic singles.
Spain has won the Davis Cup twice, in 2000 and 2004.
