Spain had to hurry up to the agonizing super 'tie break' to define its pass to the semifinals of the ATP Cup. A great comeback by Rafa Nadal and Pablo Carreño (6-7 [7], 7-5, 10-7) against Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen in Sydney, where Australia awaits on Saturday. The previous defeat of the 'number one' of the world before David Goffin had forced this resolution, where the Spaniard offered an excellent level.

It was two hours of great tension at the Ken Rosewall Arena, the session after one in the morning. After delivering the first set in the tiebreaker, the Spaniards faced a limit situation with composure. The strength in the Vliegen network, combined with Gille's confidence, seemed to be then unapproachable.

"I have tried my best, I have given everything and I feel very happy," Nadal said after the win, fatigued both by the activity on the track and the long trip from Perth. "We have been the last team to arrive here and we have presented ourselves with just one training. They are three hours apart and tonight, until four in the morning we will not go to sleep," said the left-hander, now aware of the demanding challenge before The local selection. "It will also be a very tough tie, but we will try everything, as always," he said.

The video, decisive

Of course, another third game is not ruled out, where mental strength can play a decisive role. As demonstrated by Nadal and Carreño, who in the eighth game of the second round, with 3-4 adverse, had to raise two options of 'break'.

A few minutes later, with 5-5, Gille lost the first three points of his turn. With that 0-40, Vliegen crushed a free ball in the net, although after the video review, the chair judge awarded the point to Spain, since the left-hander had connected his blow in the rival field.

It was the only 'break' of the night, which led to 7-5 and the consequent express outcome of the super 'tie break', typical of this competition. Despite appearances, the responsibility of the stake was not going to grip the Belgians, capable of linking three direct serves (two of Gille for 3-2 and another of Vliegen in 4-4).

Double lack of Gille

However, a spectacular 'drive' forced by Nadal, straight to the line, opened the first crack. Gille committed a double foul at the worst time, although Vliegen took a superb shot for 7-9. It was the last star of the Belgians and the great respite for the team led by Francis Roig.

On Saturday, starting at 8:30 a.m., Australia, one of the favorites, awaits, with Nick Kyrgios and Alex de Miñaur in front. The other crossing is starring Serbia, led by Novak Djokovic, and Daniil Medvedev's Russia.

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