Spain advanced to the Davis Cup semi-finals on Thursday, mounting an impressive comeback to defeat the Czech Republic 2–1 in Bologna after dropping the opening match.

Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martínez delivered the decisive blow in the doubles rubber, edging Tomás Machac and Jakub Mensik 7–6(8), 7–6(8). Their victory secured Spain’s spot in Saturday’s semi-final, where David Ferrer’s squad will meet either Argentina or Germany.

Earlier in the day, Jaume Munar kept Spain alive by defeating Jiri Lehecka 6–3, 6–4, leveling the tie after Pablo Carreño Busta fell 7–5, 6–4 to world No. 19 Mensik.

No Alcaraz, no worries

Spain achieved the comeback despite being without their biggest star, Carlos Alcaraz, who withdrew on Tuesday due to a hamstring injury sustained during his loss to Jannik Sinner in the ATP Finals championship match.

Although the six-time Grand Slam winner said the injury did not affect him during that final—despite receiving strapping and treatment during a medical timeout—Spain opted not to risk him for the Davis Cup.

Alcaraz is one of three top-10 players to pull out of the finals in northern Italy, where home fans also missed seeing Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti represent the Azzurri.

The highest-ranked player competing in this year’s Davis Cup finals is world No. 3 and former Olympic champion Alexander Zverev, who will lead Germany against Argentina later on Thursday.