BOLOGNA, Italy: Spain bounced back from an opening singles defeat on Thursday to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 and reach the Davis Cup semifinals for the first time in six years where they will face Germany, who earned their own comeback win over Argentina.

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The Spaniards, without world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz after he pulled out on the eve of the event with a hamstring injury, had their backs against the wall when Pablo Carreno Busta was beaten in straight sets by Jakub Mensik.

Carreno Busta, ranked 89th, had no response to Mensik’s power and 20 aces, going down 7-5 6-4 to the world No. 19.

Mensik suffered a break midway through the first set but held tough and broke back twice to bag it. He gave away no other break opportunities, snatching the second set with a late break of his own to put his team in front.