Spanish team in the Davis Cup faced a tough start in the Group Stage, with the doubles match still ahead. The opening round against the Netherlands proved challenging for Spain, followed by encounters with the Czech Republic. After the first defeat, Bernabé Zapata Miralles faced Tomas Machac, while Alexander Davidovich Fokina was edged by Jiri Lehecka in the second duel, a match pitting the Malaga native against the top Czech player.
Relating to
- Davis Cup | Alejandro Davidovich – Jiri Lehecka, live
Bernabé Zapata Miralles makes his Davis Cup debut in a loss
Zapata Miralles admitted the pressure of playing at the La Fonteta venue, which had not yet warmed up for the premiere and saw limited seating. At 26, he struggled to find rhythm, losing serve early and facing recurring nerves and mistakes that weighed on his game.
Machac, ranked 119th in the ATP, demonstrated greater solidity, especially on second serves. The Czech did not squander his advantage and took the first set in 47 minutes after a precise return from his Valencia-born opponent.
The second set opened with Zapata still under pressure. Although the Spaniard resisted the Central European’s attacks, he trailed 0-30 on two occasions and ultimately ceded the seventh game, with Machac maintaining control to close out the set. Zapata’s final error ended the rally, handing the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead.
One hour and 33 minutes elapsed before the 22-year-old Machac sealed the victory for Jaroslav Navratil’s team.
Tomas Machac was on fire
Czech Republic defeated Zapata Miralles, giving their side a 1-0 advantage in the tie against Spain. [Citation: Davis Cup match report]
Davidovich cannot overcome Lehecka
Minutes later, in just under two hours, the world number 30 toppled the top-seeded Spaniard in David Ferrer, with Davidovich Fokina ranking 25th. Lehecka’s performance reaffirmed that he is a dangerous opponent for the Spaniards, after beating him on the Queen’s Club grass in London earlier in the season, leaving the Spaniard two sets to love on the scoreboard.
On the fast-paced La Fonteta court, the 21-year-old Czech displayed exceptional serving, closing both sets with aces (7-6(5) and 7-5). Davidovich provided stubborn resistance and sparked fan energy with several heavy shots that energized the crowd and pushed the match toward a tiebreak; however, the Czech’s stronger serve and a few misfired returns by the Andalusian swung the balance.
In the second set, the weight of the tie was evident as Davidovich pressed forward. Yet resilience defined the Spaniard, who is known for his courage. He found ways to challenge Lehecka’s attacking options and pushed the match toward extended rallies, even as his opponent kept pulling ahead toward the endgame.
Lehecka arrived on court with purpose, a strong server, and calm execution—traits that carried him to victory in the match and reinforced the Czech Republic’s early lead. [Citation: Davis Cup social post]
The Spaniard showed moments of evident quality, including a notable backhand that cut through the air in the middle of the second set. Still, the Czech’s plan remained clear and effective, playing to the rhythm of the scoreboard and sealing the win with precise serves as the crowd reacted to a tense finish.
Lehecka—visible determination—shared the court expectations, and the result reflected a successful execution of his strategy. The match served as a reminder that a young Czech player could challenge a strong Spanish lineup on European clay and hard courts alike. [Citation: Davis Cup social post]
In the social wrap from the event, Lehecka’s victory was highlighted on official channels, underscoring the momentum of the Czech side. [Citation: Official Davis Cup posts]
The Spanish team carried momentum into the next stage with key early tests behind them, yet the outcome highlighted the need for strategic adjustments and consistent serving under pressure as the tie progressed.
Djokovic arrives in Valencia eagerly prepared for Davis Cup action
Valencia plays host as the field gathers for another round. The energy around the event mirrors a high-stakes environment where veterans and rising talents alike seek to maximize their performance on a shared stage. The pre-tournament chatter suggested that a single strong weekend could tilt the entire group toward the finals.
Where are the classification options headed?
The Spanish team faces a crucial test against Serbia on the upcoming Friday. Djokovic’s presence adds an extra layer of challenge, but a realistic path to the Malaga Finals would hinge on securing a three-way win with South Korea and the Czech Republic. The immediate objective is to win the doubles match, with a doubles pairing of Davidovich and Granollers set to square off against Mensik and Pavlasek. The outcome will determine the number of matches and games needed to break the current tie and advance in the standings.