Rafael Nadal instigated a Spanish comeback against Russia in the Davis Cup on Tuesday by capitalising on a raucous home crowd to beat Karen Khachanov in straight sets.
Nadal, who will finish the year as world number one, came through a second-set tie-break to defeat Khachanov 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) and level the Group B match in Madrid.
Marcel Granollers and Feliciano Lopez then won the deciding doubles rubber 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) against Khachanov and Andrey Rublev, who had earlier given Russia the lead with a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/0) win over Roberto Bautista Agut.
A new format this year means the Davis Cup takes place in one venue, across a single week, with organisers -- among them Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique -- hoping a tighter schedule will revitalise the prestigious trophy.
The three stadiums at the Caja Magica were all far from full for Tuesday's early matches but Nadal enjoyed a bumper crowd of local fans for his hard-fought contest in the evening.
"The atmosphere was amazing," said Nadal.
Asked about the success of the competition so far, he added: "It is difficult to answer today. Let me wait until the tournament is over to have a clear and better opinion."
"That means big trouble for us the players and also for the people who have come to the stadium too, because tomorrow is a workday. It makes everything difficult." -
'We can win it' -
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"I think we can win it for sure. The way that Alex is playing and I know I can beat every single person in this competition."
- 'Strange feeling' -
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"I have to say, it is a strange feeling," said Mahut. "When you play Davis Cup, usually the stadium is full."