Spain beats Israel 3-0 at Davis Cup semis

MURCIA, Spain, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo recorded a four-set victory Saturday, giving Spain a 3-0 win over Israel in the Davis Cup semifinals at Murcia, Spain.

Their 7-6 (8-6), 6-7 (7-9), 6-4, 6-2 win over Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram gave Spain a chance to defend its 2008 title.

Despite being without the injured Rafael Nadal, the world's second-ranked men's tennis player, the Spaniards were favored to advance against the Israelis, who were playing in the Davis Cup semifinals for the first time.

"It was a question of taking our opportunities," Robredo said. "The first two sets were very close, but then we played our best in the third and fourth sets."

In the finals, to be played in December, possibly at Madrid, Spain faces the Czech Republic, a similar 3-0 victor against Croatia.