Spain sweep US for 2-0 lead in Davis Cup semis

Gijon, Spain: David Ferrer and Nicolas Almagro maintained their near-perfect clay court records in the Davis Cup to give Spain a commanding 2-0 lead over the United States in their semi-final.

Ferrer put the hosts ahead in the best-of-five series with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win over Sam Querrey before Almagro beat John Isner 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 to leave the defending champions one point away from their fourth final in five years.

Almagro overcame 25 aces from Isner, who saved three match points before hitting a forehand long for Almagro to win. Almagro and Ferrer are a combined 23-1 on clay.

Spain's David Ferrer returns the ball to Sam Querrey of USA during the first singles match.

The US have to win Saturday's doubles to stay alive, with American brothers Mike and Bob Bryan facing Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez.

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