Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg

Send to friend

Spain's Nicolas Almagro outlasted American John Isner 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in four hours and 16 minutes to extend Spain’s advantage at its 2012 Davis Cup semifinals match in Spain, heading into Saturday’s action. Almagro converted three of his 19 break points and won 77 per cent of his first serve points to notch his second straight win over the American, having won their second-round encounter at Wimbledon last year.

Earlier in the day, Spain's David Ferrer remained undefeated in Davis Cup clay-court rubbers (15-0) by beating American Sam Querrey 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in just over three hours. Ferrer now has a 21-4 record overall for Spain and will face Isner on Sunday.

The defending champion Spaniards last lost a home tie in 1999 against Brazil. Five-time titlist Spain has won 25 straight ties on clay since that defeat. Italy has the longest run of home wins with 28 from 1949 to 1964. The weekend's remaining schedule is as follows:

►Saturday Doubles: Bob Bryan & Mike Bryan (USA) vs. Marcel Granollers & Marc Lopez (ESP)

►Sunday Singles C: John Isner (USA) vs. David Ferrer (ESP)

►Sunday Singles D: Sam Querrey (USA) vs. Nicolas Almagro (ESP)