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With today's tennis being in the evening, I enjoyed a lazy morning before heading into the centre for lunch at Tapas & Más, a short walk from Sol Metro station. I'd heard good things about this page, and I want disappointed.
I started with some croquettes. The ones that contained ham were particularly delicious, but even the spinach ones were ok. For my main I chose ribeye steak, which was cooked to perfection. As if that wasn't enough, I followed it up with a very moist and delightful chocolate brownie.
This evening we enter the knockout stage of the Davis Cup as Great Britain take on Germany in the Quarter-Finals.
Last night Canada beat Australia to progress to the Semi-Finals and this afternoon Russia defeated Serbia in a tight encounter that went to a final set tie-break in the doubles, which Russia won 10-8. Canada play Russia in the first session tomorrow.
As well as the British/German tie this evening, Spain take on Argentina. The two winners will face each other tomorrow evening.
Due to the late night finishes there have been this week, the start time has been moved forward 30 mins to 1730.
Our group matches having been played in Stadium 3, tonight we're in the slightly larger Stadium 2. Sadly, it was less than half full with the British contingent making up around 80%. Nevertheless, both us and the Germans made plenty of noise.
So, let's get started....
MATCH ONE: KYLE EDMUND (69) v PHILIPP KOHLSCHRIEBER (79)
Serving first, Kyle got off to a solid start, holding to love. He then had two chances to break Kohlschrieber's serve, but the German held. In the next game Kyle was taken to deuce before serving well to hold. In the sixth game Kyle broke to 15 as Kohlschrieber's shot sailed over the baseline. Kyle continued to serve solidly to secure the set 6-3.
In the 4th game Kohlschrieber broke at the third attempt but Kyle immediately broke back to 15. In the 11th game Kyle broke again to give himself the opportunity to serve out the match, which he did in style to love.
Following injury, Kyle has had a poor year, but the two Davis Cup matches he's played so far this week has seen him back to his impressive best.
Result: Kyle Edmund bt Philipp Kohlschrieber 6-3, 7-5
Duration: 1:22
MATCH TWO: DAN EVANS (42) v JAN-LENNARD STRUFF (35)
Struff showed in the first game that he's a powerful server, but in the third game Dan had 3 break points, though he couldn't convert them. In the ninth game a sublime lob followed by two fantastic returns by Dan created two break points, the second of which was converted when Struff hit his shot long. Struff then played a fantastic game to immediately break back. A fluctuating tie-break with 6 mini-breaks in the first twelve points was decided when Dan hit a sublime cross court winner to set up a set point on his serve, which he converted.
The second set proceeded without drama until the seventh game when Struff broke Dan's serve. He then broke again to take the second set 6-3 and even the score. Another final set for Dan...
In the fourth game Dan faced two break points but played 4 fantastic points to save the game. In the seventh game Dan got to deuce but was unable to get a break point. Ditto in the ninth. In the tie-break Dan immediately broke Struff and dominated it, clinching the tie for GB without the need for doubles.
After a couple of disappointment losses this week after being a set up, Dan's delight at winning was obvious. His performance today was highly impressive.
Result: Dan Evans bt Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6(8-6), 3-6, 7-6(7-2)
Duration: 2:22
In tomorrow's semi-final we'll play host nation Spain, which should mean an almost sellout crowd! The pressure will be on Kyle (assuming he's selected) to win the opening match as it's highly likely that Rafa will win the second for Spain. Then it'll come down to the doubles...
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