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Czech Republic Overcomes 0-2 Deficit to Capture 2015 Davis Cup Title in Baku

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 16:22 GMT by AOL

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The 2015 Davis Cup Finals: Spain vs. Czech Republic – A Battle for European Supremacy

The Davis Cup, the “World Cup of tennis,” brings a unique blend of individual brilliance and national pride to the fore. Every year, 16 of the world’s strongest teams compete over three days for the coveted trophy. The 2015 edition, held from December 4‑6 in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, saw the defending champions Spain face off against the Czech Republic in a showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

A Brief Primer on the Davis Cup

Before delving into the finals themselves, it’s worth recalling how the tournament works. The 16‑team format, introduced in 2015, pits each pair of nations against one another in a “tie” comprising five rubbers: two singles on Day 1, a doubles match on Day 2, and two reverse‑order singles on Day 3. The first nation to win three rubbers clinches the tie.

The 2015 event followed the “Finals” model, with the top‑ranked teams from the previous year automatically qualifying, and a play‑off stage deciding the last two spots. The Czech Republic and Spain earned their places by defeating Belgium and Russia respectively in the play‑offs. Spain entered as the defending champion, having won the 2014 title in a dramatic New York finale against Russia.

The Road to Baku

Spain: The Spaniards entered the Finals as the clear favorites. Their squad boasted a trio of seasoned stars: the two‑time Grand Slam winner Fernando Verdasco, the 2014 ATP Finals champion David Ferrer, and the rising‑star Roberto Alcaide (the latter, though not always the headline‑grabber, proved pivotal in the doubles rubber). Spain’s path to the Finals had been a mix of high‑profile wins and strategic team selections, culminating in a 3‑1 victory over Belgium in the play‑offs.

Czech Republic: The Czechs, on the other hand, were a more understated squad but no less formidable. Their lineup featured the top‑ranked Tomáš Berdych, the young prodigy Jan Hájek (who would later make headlines with a record‑setting run to the French Open final in 2016), and the reliable Jiří Veselý. In their play‑off clash with Russia, the Czechs held firm, thanks largely to a double‑fault‑free performance by Hájek in the decisive doubles rubber. The victory gave them a 3‑0 edge over Russia and sent them straight into the Finals.

Day 1: Singles Skirmish

Morning – Spain vs. Czech Republic

The first day of the tie set the tone for the entire final. In the opening rubber, David Ferrer faced off against Tomáš Berdych. The match was a true tennis clinic. While the Czech’s power‑hitting seemed dominant at first, Ferrer’s touch and court coverage allowed him to outmaneuver Berdych in the crucial moments. The Spanish closed out the first rubber 6‑4, 6‑4, 6‑3, taking a 1‑0 lead.

Afternoon – Reverse‑Order Match

In the second rubber, Fernando Verdasco squared up against Jan Hájek. Verdasco, who had just won the Miami Open earlier that month, carried his experience and a calm temperament into the Baku court. He leveraged his powerful forehand to pull the Czech player out of the baseline and closed the match 6‑2, 6‑4, 6‑1. With a 2‑0 lead, Spain looked poised to dominate the tie.

Day 2: Doubles – The Turning Point

The doubles rubber is often the most unpredictable of the tie, and the Czech’s strategy paid dividends on Day 2.

Czech Doubles Pair

The Czech duo of Berdych and Hájek faced the Spanish team of Verdasco and Alcaide. While Spain’s experience in doubles was evident, the Czech pair's cohesion and aggressive net play gave them an advantage. They won the first set 7‑5, took the second set 6‑4, and secured the tie 3‑2, leveling the overall score to 2‑2 and sending the Czech Republic back into the hunt on Day 3.

Day 3: The Decisive Singles

Morning – The Decisive Match

The last rubber of the tie would decide the championship. Roberto Alcaide faced Fernando Verdasco. Alcaide, the young Spaniard who had struggled with consistency in prior years, had a chance to prove his worth. The match began with Alcaide taking a 3‑0 break early on, but Verdasco fought back and forced a tiebreak in the first set. Alcaide then rallied to win the second set 6‑3 and took the third 6‑4. The Spanish victory, however, was only the second rubber in the tie; it was Tomáš Berdych’s match that ultimately sealed the Czech Republic’s triumph.

Final Rubber – Berdych vs. Alcaide

The last contest had a dramatic flair. Berdych, the world No. 3, went up 6‑2 in the first set, but Alcaide mounted a comeback to level the match 6‑6. The Czech’s veteran’s experience prevailed, as Berdych won the fourth set 7‑6(4) and the final set 6‑3. With a 3‑2 scoreline, the Czech Republic claimed its second Davis Cup title, the first since 2005.

Key Takeaways & Aftermath

1. Czech Resilience – The Czech Republic’s comeback from a 0‑2 deficit to win the tie demonstrates the depth of their squad and the importance of teamwork in Davis Cup play.
2. Spanish Disappointment – The Spanish team, despite having the top two singles players in the world, lost the final rubber. Their journey to the final underlined the fine margins that separate victory from defeat.
3. Historical Significance – The Czech Republic’s 2015 victory ended a five‑year drought for European teams in the Davis Cup (Spain had won in 2014, while the previous champion in 2013 was the USA). The win was celebrated as a moment of national pride in Czech tennis history.
4. Impact on Rankings – The tie had a modest effect on ATP rankings, as Davis Cup matches are not part of the ATP Tour’s points system. Nevertheless, the experience bolstered the players’ confidence and visibility.

Further Reading & Links

• Official Davis Cup Coverage – For match statistics and video highlights, visit the Official Davis Cup website (www.daviscup.com).
• Player Profiles – Individual player stats and career highlights are available on the ATP’s Player Profiles page.
• Past Finals – A comprehensive recap of previous finals (including the 2014 USA‑Russia showdown) can be found in the Past Finals archive on the Davis Cup site.

Final Thoughts

The 2015 Davis Cup Finals showcased the drama and depth that make the tournament an international spectacle. With a gripping comeback, razor‑sharp singles battles, and a decisive doubles showdown, the Czech Republic’s triumph remains a memorable chapter in the history of tennis. As the sport continues to evolve, future Finals will no doubt build on the legacy established by this 2015 classic, reminding us that in Davis Cup, the team’s collective spirit can outshine even the most individually decorated players.