Davis Cup: Alcaraz beats Humbert, moves Spain into quarter finals

Carlos Alcaraz overcame the setback of his unremarkable U.S. hard court season to lead Spain to the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8, defeating France’s Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-3, Friday in Valencia.

“The level that I played from the beginning to the last ball, I was really focused, really intense. It was probably one of the best matches I have played this year and after my last month I need these kind of matches,” said the World No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

Spain’s qualification to the last eight got easier after Roberto Bautista Agut defeated Arthur Fils, who served for the match at 5-4 in the second set, by a score of 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 earlier in the day.

Alcaraz said that the team atmosphere of Davis Cup was just what he needed to spark him out of a mini slump, which saw him lose to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the US Open following an opening-round loss to Gael Monfils in Cincinnati.

“I need this week, being with the team, with all the players, all the staff from the Federation,” Alcaraz said. “Having them cheer me on in every point. Off the court we have a really good relationship. I need this atmosphere and these matches where I feel I am not playing alone. My energy is getting higher.

Spain, the six-time Davis Cup champions won a convincing 3-0 win over Czechia on Wednesday. A win over Australia on Sunday would see them finish at the top of the Group B table. Australia, who is paired with Spain to get to the Final 8, has also triumphed twice, defeating Czechia 3-0 and France 2-1.