Rafael Nadal dedicates Spain's Davis Cup win to Roberto Bautista Agut in emotional speech

Rafael Nadal has dedicated Spain’s progression to the Davis Cup semi-finals to Roberto Bautista Agut, who withdrew from the tournament following the death of his father.

Spain faced Argentina in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup, but they had to do it without world No 9 Agut.

His team-mates though clearly wanted to show their support by leaving a space on the line during the national anthem to honour Agut.

Argentina had taken a 1-0 lead with Guido Pella beating Pablo Carreno Busta, but Nadal secured a rampant win over Diego Schwartzman before taking part in the crucial doubles match alongside Marcel Granollers.

And Spain eventually came away with the victory to advance to the semi-finals where they will face Great Britain.

Speaking after the match, Nadal was keen to dedicate the victory to Agut.

“People always respond but you also have to help them, and the only way to help them take part in the matter is that you transmit what they need and more at this time,” he said.

“The fans are being incredible, the atmosphere is unbeatable, and we can only to thank.

“Having this support gives us this extra adrenaline that is needed.”

He added: “This victory goes to Roberto and his loved ones, who are living very difficult moments.

“He is a very strong person and has had to live hard situations, and even in this situation he has been sending us messages.

“Hopefully he has the strength to return and we can only wish him all the strength.”

Great Britain were without Andy Murray for their quarter-final against Germany.

Kyle Edmund had put in a brilliant performance to beat Phillip Kohlschreiber earlier in the day to put GB in the lead.

And Dan Evans, who has struggled through the first few days of the tournament, got his winning moment against Jan-Lennard Struff to spark wild celebrations from the British camp.

source: express.co.uk


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