The Flying Dutchmen! Tallon Griekspoor turns tide to clinch first Davis Cup final for the Netherlands

The Netherlands have backed up their victory over host Spain—which sent Rafael Nadal into retirement—to reach a historic first Davis Cup final.

On Friday in Malaga, Tallon Griekspoor battled back to defeat Jan-Lennard Struff, 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4, in a fast-paced showdown to send his nation through against Germany.

“We have been talking about this for two, three years. We believed in ourselves so much,” Griekspoor said.

“We always felt like this was possible. To do it now feels unbelievable.”

The nation known for its orange and white colors improved upon its best previous finish in 2001, when France ended their dream in the final four.

For a moment, it appeared their second semifinal appearance would be headed to a deciding doubles match.

Up a set with Griekspoor serving at 3-4, Struff held two separate break points to put the encounter on his racquet. The Dutch No. 1 saved the first when Struff misjudged his volley as he came forward in a cat-and-mouse exchange and the second with a first serve that had enough weight behind it to force a long return.

The tough hold proved to be momentous. Griekspoor won six of seven games to swing the contest into his favor. Though Struff avoided falling behind a double break in the third set, the 34-year-old was unable to close the gap. His opponent slammed the door shut with his 24th ace on the day.

Earlier, Botic van de Zandschulp fought off an inspired Daniel Altmaier, 6-4, 6-7 (12), 6-3, needing 10 match points to get across the finish line. Van de Zandschulp is now 3-0 this week, having defeated Nadal in singles and teaming up with Wesley Koolhoof to take a narrow doubles victory over Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers.

For a historic title, the Netherlands awaits the winner of Italy and Australia - a rematch of last year's final won by the Italians.