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By Chris Oddo | Saturday September 17, 2016

 
Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez clinched Spain's berth in the 2017 World Group with a win over India.

Photo Source: Davis Cup

Spain is back in the Davis Cup World Group for the first time since 2014. Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez clinched a victory over India on Saturday in New Delhi with a 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4 victory over Saketh Myneni and Leander Paes.

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“It’s never easy,” said Spanish captain Conchita Martinez. “We knew the doubles match was going to be a very difficult match… It’s always difficult.”

After building a 4-1 lead in the opening set, Lopez and Nadal were broken back-to-back and Paes and Myneni took the set, 6-4.

Lopez was broken again early in set two and India took a 3-1 lead before Spain rallied and won the set in a tiebreaker.

After taking a two sets to one lead, Nadal and Lopez found themselves in trouble again when Nadal was broken and Paes and Myneni raced out to a 3-0 lead. But the Spaniards won five of the final six games to clinch the rubber, and the tie.

“At the end we got our reward to be in the World Group, which was what we wanted and what we were playing for,” Martinez said.

 

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