CLERMONT-FERRAND, France (AP)—Michael Llodra has upset Fernando Verdasco 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (2) to give France a 2-0 lead over defending champion Spain in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.
Gael Monfils outlasted David Ferrer 7-6 (3), 6-2, 4-6, 5-7, 6-4 in a first singles match that lasted 3 hours, 57 minutes Friday.
Spain is playing without Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal. The top-ranked player pulled out of match to rest his sore knees. France is playing without its highest-ranked player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Llodra and Julien Benneteau will take on Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez in doubles Saturday. Reverse singles will be played Sunday.