Pablo Carreno Busta made the most of a late call-up by downing Australian John Millman in straight sets to give Spain a 1-0 lead in their ATP Cup tie.
Rafael Nadal’s late withdrawal with a stiff lower back meant Spain had to ‘dig deep’ by fielding their third ranked player against Millman – world No.16 Carreno Busta.
Millman put up a gutsy fight, but he was no match for Carreno Busta in a match that lasted just 77 minutes, with the Spaniard winning 6-2 6-4.
Australian world No.23 Alex de Minaur needs to beat world No.13 Roberto Bautista Agut to level the tie.
Carreno Busta was thrilled to get the late call up and come away with the win.
“Obviously it’s a situation where you are one of the best players in the world but you have two better players in your team,” he said during the on-court interview after the match.
“We’re so lucky to have Rafa in the team.
“I think it was a really good match for me. After the quarantine, the first match of the season is always tough to play.
“I felt comfortable, more comfortable than I can imagine, so I’m happy for this.”