Alejandro Davidovic Fokina’s spirited come-from-behind victory over Poland’s world No. 9 Hubert Hurkasz put his Spanish team within sight of a place in the United Cup quarter-finals.
At Perth’s RAC Arena, Davidovic Fokina recovered from a set down to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, giving Spain a 1-0 lead in a best-of-three tie.
Spain has already topped Group A by defeating Brazil in the opening match, and is certain to advance to the final eight if they defeat Poland.
With Harkasz’s loss, women’s world number one Iga Swiatek will need to beat Sara Sorribes Tormo in Monday’s second rubber to keep Poland’s hopes alive.
If Swiatek wins, a tie will be decided in the mixed doubles match, in which two singles fighters from Spain and Poland will team up and play against each other.
In Sydney, three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud beat Croatia’s Borna Coric 6-4, 6-1 to give Norway a chance to reach the quarter-finals.
Donna Vekic had earlier given Croatia a winning start to the United Cup with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory over the unheralded Marlene Helgo.
Vekic, ranked 24th in the world, was expected to advance through the opening singles match against No. 544 Helgo at Ken Rosewall Arena.
But Vekic, who reached the quarter-finals of last year’s Australian Open, had to work for two hours and 49 minutes to secure victory.
“I’m glad that my serve finally worked in the third and I felt comfortable,” said the 27-year-old Vekic.
“I’m happy to win. Marlene is a really good player and her ranking doesn’t do her justice.”
Croatia, who will be playing Thailand for the first time, are in Group F with the Netherlands, who defeated Norway in their first match.
Australia, who lost to England in their opening game of Group C, will face defending champions USA in a must-win tie in Perth on Monday night.
France defeated Italy 2-1 on Saturday and will open their Cup Quest in a Sydney night session against Group D leaders Germany.