Murcia, Spain- Substitutes David Ferrero and Juan Carlos Ferrero were the subject of close attention from the injured teammates they replaced as Spain powered past Israel to move into 2-0 position Friday for a possible shot at a second straight Davis Cup final. The defending champions were untroubled by Middle East tennis minnows Israel, with Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco watching the home performance from the stand at the Polaris club during the World
Group semi-final.
Ferrer, replacing Verdasco, hero of the 2008 title over Argentina, got the hosts off to a fast start, pounding Harel Levy 6-1, 6-4, 6-3. It was equally straightforward for teammate Juan Carlos Ferrero, fast approaching his 30th birthday.
The former number one was merciless as he played in place of injured Nadal for a 6-4, 6-2, 6-0 thrashing of Dudi Sela.
"It wasn't as comfortable as it might have looked," said Ferrer, who was watched in victory by both Nadal and Verdasco. "It was hard to finish off points on such a slow (clay) court."
"It's important that I'm in good shape after a first set which took an hour. I had lots of pressure. I had some cramping but I was able to stay with him."
The number 21 added: "The Davis Cup is not the same as other tournaments, there is more pressure. I am happy to have claimed the first point."
Ferrero brought back memories of 2000 when he starred in the final over Argentina in Barcelona as he broke seven times in the two-and-a-half hour encounter to dominate against the 140th-ranked Levy.
The veteran returned to the fold after three years, winning the first point in July's quarter-finals over Germany,
"I'm happy with how my season is going. I'm doing well and hopefully we are in the final."
Spain are well-placed to wrap up a spot in a second straight final after beating Argentina last December for the title, with doubles set for Saturday in the southern seaside resort.
The hosts were to field Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo against the Israeli pair of Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich.
In the other semi in Porec, Croatia, the hosts were playing the Czech Republic.
