Spain's Ferrer beats Querrey in opening Davis semi

Spain's David Ferrer beat Sam Querrey of the United States 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in the opening singles rubber in their Davis Cup semi-final here in Gijon on Friday.

Querrey won the first set but the Spanish world number five held his nerve, neutralising the gangly American's blistering forehand with deft passing shots to the delight of a rowdy home crowd.

Next up to play Friday were world number 12 Nicolas Almagro and giant American John Isner.

Holders Spain have dominated the Davis Cup over the past decade, winning it five times, and are surfing a wave of 23 consecutive home victories.

On Saturday, the American twins Bob and Mike Bryan, the world's top-ranked doubles players, face Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez, before the reverse singles ties on Sunday.