Davis Cup: Rafael Nadal breaks record while Isner puts USA in charge
Rafael Nadal broke the record for the most consecutive victories in Davis Cup history as he hauled Spain back into their tie against Germany.
The world number one beat Philipp Kohlschreiber – his 23rd consecutive Davis Cup win – to draw Spain level with Germany on day one of their quarter-final.
Spain had earlier fallen behind after Alexander Zverev beat David Ferrer 6-4 6-2 6-2 in the first rubber on Friday but fit-again Nadal saw off Kohlschreiber 6-2 6-2 6-3 in his first competitive appearance since the Australian Open to level the tie.
Elsewhere, the United States put themselves in a dominant 2-0 position as Miami Open champion John Isner overcame Belgium’s Joris de Loore 6-3 6-7 (4/7) 7-6 (8/6) 6-4 and Sam Querry claimed a straight sets victory over Ruben Bemelman.
Isner was forced into a hard-fought four-set battle, but eventually emerged victorious in three hours and 14 minutes, while Querry hit 21 aces to see off his opponent in just over two hours.
Elsewhere, Italy and France are locked at 1-1 in their tie in Genoa after Lucas Pouille and Fabio Fognini won their singles matches on day one.
Pouille overcame Andreas Seppi in five sets, prevailing 6-3 6-2 4-6 3-6 6-1 despite a spirited fightback from his opponent, but Fognini beat Jeremy Chardy 6-7 (8/6) 6-2 6-2 6-3 in the second rubber to level things up.
Croatia and Kazakhstan each won one singles match on Friday as Marin Cilic eased past Dmitry Popko 6-2 6-1 6-2 before Mikhail Kukushkin beat Borna Coric 3-6 7-6 (7/5) 6-4 6-2.
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