JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel advanced to the semifinals of the Davis Cup for the first time after defeating Russia.
Saturday’s victory by doubles team Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich sent Israel to the semis. The Russians have won the Davis Cup twice.
"I actually can’t describe how I feel," Israel team captain Eyal Ran said, adding later, "I am so proud to be an Israeli today, to be a part of this team, so proud to be part of this sport and Davis Cup tennis."
Israel will play Spain for the semifinals, in Spain, Sept. 18-20. Rosh Hashana begins the evening of Sept. 18.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call Saturday congratulated Israel Tennis Association Director-General Moshe Haviv on the national team’s victory.
