Rafael Nadal congratulates David Ferrer and Nicolas Almagro

Spanish number one Rafael Nadal has congratulated his countrymen David Ferrer and Nicolas Almagro on winning their respective singles rubbers on the opening day of Spain versus USA Davis Cup semi-final tie.

Nadal posted on his facebook page, “Congrats David and Nico! One step to the final!”

First it was Ferrer, who fought back from a deficit of one set to beat American number two Sam Querrey 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in the first rubber. Then, Almagro extended his country’s lead to 2-0 by outlasting USA’s best player John Isner in five sets 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in the second rubber.

Nadal could not feature in this tie due to his knee injury. The Spanish number one tried his best to get fit for this semi-final clash with the Americans but he failed in doing so. The 11-time Grand Slam champion has not played a single match for more than two months now. His last match was his second round encounter with Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol, who stunned the Spaniard in a marathon contest.

The 26-year-old, who loves to represent his country, also missed the London Olympics. He was supposed to defend his Gold Medal and carry Spain’s flag at the opening ceremony but his dream could not be realized.

Coming back to the semi-final tie between Spain and USA, Bryan Brothers of USA defeated Spain’s Marc Lopez and Marcel Granollers in the doubles match on Saturday to reduce the deficit to 1-2 and keep alive the tie till the final day.

In a match between number one players of both countries, Ferrer will lock horns with Isner. In the second reverse singles, Almagro will be pitted against Querrey.

Winner of this tie will meet Czech Republic or Argentina in the final in November. It is being hoped that if Spain reaches the final then Nadal would be able to represent his country and help it win its fifth Davis Cup title.