World number two Rafael Nadal put Spain level with Italy at 1-1 in their Davis Cup World Group playoff on Friday after overcoming a determined Andreas Seppi 6-0, 6-4, 6-3.
The Spaniard, decked out in red and gold especially for the occasion, raced through the first set taking advantage of a string of errors from the nervous-looking Seppi.
The 22-year-old Italian, ranked 69 in the world, struck back in the second set however, and opened up a 4-1 lead breaking Nadal twice. The French Open champion regained his composure, got to grips with Seppi's serve and powered his way back into the match.
He broke Seppi's serve in four consecutive games to take the second set and move into a 3-0 lead in the third, but the stubborn Seppi refused to lie down.
The Italian pulled it back to 3-3 before Nadal was able to take the match in just over two and a half hours.
"Sometimes when you win the first set so easily it is difficult to maintain your momentum, especially when your opponent starts playing better," Nadal said.
"But after a difficult second set I was I control for the third, and the important thing is I secured the win."
Filippo Volandri had given Italy a surprise lead by beating world number seven Tommy Robredo 6-3, 7-5, 6-3.
Switzerland and Serbia finished level on the opening Friday of their Davis Cup World Group playoff following wins for Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Federer gave the Swiss an expected early lead with the world number one comfortably brushing aside Serbian world number 92 Janko Tipsarevic 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
The Serbian team clawed their way back into contention as Djokovic completed a hard-fought 6-4 3-6 2-6 7-6 6-4 victory over Swiss number two Stanislas Wawrinka.
Friday's stalemate puts the pressure back on Federer, who is due to contest Saturday's doubles with partner Yves Allegro before taking on Djokovic in Sunday's opening singles rubber.
"It's what I'm here for -- to play for three points," said an assured-looking Federer after his win.
"Of course, the best scenario is when you have the tie wrapped up on Saturday but when we did that against Britain last year I think it was the first time we'd managed it in six years.
"So now I'm ready for the doubles and ready for anything over the next couple of days."
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