Spain takes lead on U.S.

SEVILLE, Spain -- With drums pounding and a brass band playing, Andy Roddick and his U.S. teammates were reduced to silence Friday in the Davis Cup final.

The Americans lost the opening two singles matches, falling into a big hole while Spain moved into commanding position to win the title for the second time.

Rafael Nadal defeated the second-ranked Roddick 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-6 (6), 6-2 after Carlos Moya opened by beating Mardy Fish 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

"It was crazy," Roddick said. "It was unlike anything I've experienced before."

Fish, an inexperienced clay-court player, likened the atmosphere to a college football game.

"This was definitely the closest thing to it that we have in tennis, I'm sure of that," he said.

Spain, whose lone title came at home in 2000 over Australia, needs one more victory in the best-of-five series. The Americans have won the Davis Cup a record 31 times, but have not captured the premier team event since 1995. Spain can clinch the Davis Cup on Saturday if Nadal and Tommy Robredo beat twins Bob and Mike Bryan in doubles.