The domination of United States in the Davis Cup ended on Sunday, September 21, 2008 after an unwell Rafael Nadal defeated Andy Roddick to propel Spain to the finals the sixth time. The World Number 1 defeated the American tennis ace by 6-4, 6-0, 6-4 on a clay court at the Las Ventas bullfighting arena. In the final round, Spain will either be competing against Argentina or Russia.

A triumphant Nadal dropped to his knees and beat his fists. He later remarked, 'It's one of the nicest sensations you can experience in your career.' The Spaniard said that he almost did not play because an MRI scan had revealed that he was having a strained buttock muscle. This was first time that Rafael Nadal was playing in Spain after clinching the Number 1 tag and he received full audience support.  Nadal, this year, won the French Open, Wimbledon as well as the Olympic gold.