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Date: 10 Jul 2010 21:51

France Stun Spain in Davis Cup

Tennis News France Stun Spain in Davis Cup Defending champions Spain were knocked out of the Davis Cup competition by rivals France for the first time since 1923 today, when Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau beat Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 7-6 to give the hosts an unassailable 3-0 lead. Spain were without Rafael Nadal, who is taking some time off after his successful Wimbledon campaign, but had several experienced players to call on. Unfortunately, David Ferrer and Fernando Verdasco both lost their singles matches yesterday, and today’s doubles loss ensures that they will not be able to defend the title they won last year. "Even if I am 30 years, I like this kind of match," a delighted Llodra said after the match. "Today it was too good on the court. When I started playing tennis, my dream was to play in the French team. When I was 11 years old, I saw Guy Forgetand Henri Leconte in Davis Cup in Lyon when they won against U.S.A. and, in my head, you know I said one time in my life I want to be like this and today it was amazing." In other Davis Cup action, Serbia leads Croatia 2-1, Argentina has a 2-1 advantage over Russia, and Chile is on the verge of elimination against the Czech Republic who, even without Tomas Berdych, has a commanding 2-0 lead in their tie.