Davis Cup 2012, USA Vs. Spain: Semifinals Preview

Sep 2, 2012; Queens, NY, USA; John Isner (USA) returns a shot in his match against Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) on day seven of the 2012 US Open at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

The United States has made a surprise run to the semifinals of the 2012 Davis Cup, but can it knock off Spain on its home soil?

John Isner and the United States Davis Cup team are hoping to keep a surprise run going in the 2012 Davis Cup, but they now face a tough semifinal matchup against David Ferrer and the rest of the team from Spain. Not only is the Spanish team the defending Davis Cup champion, it also holds a 13-year undefeated streak on clay courts. There is no doubt that Spain is the favorite to win on home soil, but Isner, Sam Querrey and doubles partners Mike and Bob Bryan are hoping to turn the tide and upset the defending champs on clay.

With Rafael Nadal still rehabbing a knee injury that kept him from playing in the U.S. Open, David Ferrer -- fresh off a run to the semifinals in New York -- is the lead man for Spain. Nicolas Almagro joins Ferrer to form a duo that is 21-1 on clay over the last 22 matches, and doubles partners Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez round out the squad.

Spain defeated Kazakhstan (5-0) and Austria (4-1) to advance to the semifinals, while team USA knocked off Switzerland (5-0) and France (3-2) to reach this round. The winner will take on the winner of the other semifinal matchup between the Czech Republic and Argentina.

Here is a look at the schedule of matches for the semifinal showdown between the USA and Spain:

Round 1: David Ferrer vs. Sam Querrey

Round 2: Nicolas Almagro vs. John Isner

Round 3: Granollers / Lopez vs. Bryan / Bryan

Round 4: David Ferrer vs. John Isner

Round 5: Nicolas Almagro vs. Sam Querrey

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