Alcaraz leads Spain to Davis Cup victory over France in Valencia

In Valencia, Carlos Alcaraz, ranked world No.3, led Spain to a decisive victory over France in the Davis Cup, winning his match against Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-3. This victory followed an earlier match where Roberto Bautista defeated Arthur Fils, putting Spain ahead 1-0. The home crowd witnessed a strong performance from Alcaraz, who expressed satisfaction with his high level of play, marking it as one of his best matches of the year. France's defeat means they have not advanced beyond the group stage since the Davis Cup's reform in 2019. Spain's success, along with Australia, who also qualified, secures their place in the Final 8 in Malaga scheduled for late November. Alcaraz emphasized the team's goal of qualifying for this stage from the beginning of the week. The United States also secured their spot in the Final 8 with a 3-0 victory over Slovakia, showcasing strong performances from players like Mackenzie McDonald and Brandon Nakashima. This win was significant for the US team, which had faced challenges in previous tournaments, including failing to progress last year. As the group stage finals continue, the competition remains fierce, with sixteen countries vying for a place in the final tournament. The upcoming matches will determine the seeding for the Final 8, making each game crucial for the teams involved.