The top two players in the world were in singles action at yesterday's ATP Cup in Australia – but only one of them came out victorious.
While world No 2 Novak Djokovic came back from a set down to beat Denis Shapovalov, top-ranked Rafael Nadal lost 6-4, 7-6 to David Goffin in only his second defeat since July.
Nadal did not drop a set in three group-stage singles matches in the new international team competition, but was unable to break down a free-swinging Goffin in Sydney.
Roberto Bautista Agut had given Spain a 1-0 lead after continuing his run of straight-set wins with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Kimmer Coppejans
The winners of the deciding doubles will play hosts Australia in Saturday's semi-final.
Djokovic guided Serbia into the last four – where they will face Russia – with a comeback 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 win over Shapovalov of Canada.
"This was the closest match I have ever played against Denis. It was so close, it could have gone a different way easily," Djokovic said.
The vocal crowds appear to be playing a pivotal role in the latter stages of the team event, after lifting host nation Australia on Thursday and then Serbia on Friday.
Djokovic said after the match he understood Shapovalov's frustration as the noise level kept threatening to interrupt play.
"They were so loud, they were engaged, sometimes a little bit too much," he said. "It was a Davis Cup-like atmosphere."
