Great Britain missed out on a place in the Davis Cup final after Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Feliciano Lopez edged out Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski in a heartbreaking doubles defeat.
The British pair lost 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-8) in the deciding rubber.
The teams had been level at 1-1 after the singles, when Nadal beat Dan Evans, and Kyle Edmund won against Lopez.
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The Spanish pair then sparked joyous scenes in Madrid by setting up a final against Canada on Sunday.
“It was a very special moment for us, a very unique opportunity,” said the 38-year-old Lopez, who was close to tears at the end. “We have a great opportunity to win this tournament here at home.”
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Britain, who were bidding to reach the final for the first time since their 2015 triumph, will take some consolation from knowing they are guaranteed a place in next year’s 18-nation finals by virtue of reaching the last four.
Spain could win the Davis Cup for the first time since 2011 if they manage to overcome Canada in what is bound to be another raucous atmosphere in the 12,500-capacity indoor Caja Magica arena (15:00 GMT).
Source:Â bbc.com