Alcaraz seals Spain’s spot in Davis Cup quarterfinals

PARIS: World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz sealed Spain’s berth in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Sunday by beating South Korea’s Kwon Soon-woo in straight sets.

US Open champion Alcaraz won 6-4, 7-6 (7/1) against his 74th-ranked opponent at home in Valencia, after Roberto Bautista Agut had earlier beaten Hong Seong Chan 6-1, 6-3.

After their surprise 2-1 loss to Canada on Friday, in which Alcaraz lost to Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, the Spaniards won in the singles against South Korea.

First in Group B ahead of Canada, the Spaniards will participate in the quarterfinals in November, in front of their home crowd in Malaga. Serbia have been eliminated.

In Hamburg, Germany took the top spot in Group C ahead of Australia after doubles pairing Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz’s 6-4, 6-4 victory over Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell.

That gave the hosts a 2-1 victory.

In singles, Thanasi Kokkinakis beat Oscar Otte 7-6 (8/6), 6-1 to keep Australia in the tie after Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff eased past Purcell 6-1, 7-5.

Germany and Australia had already secured the top two spots in Group C with wins over France and Belgium earlier in the group stage.

In Bologna, Croatia advanced to the last eight thanks to Italy’s 2-1 win over Sweden in Group A.

Croatia had started the competition with a heavy 3-0 loss to Italy before reacting against Sweden (2-1) and then Argentina (3-0).

The Croatian team took second place, qualifying behind Italy, while Sweden, third, were eliminated.