Majestic Moya wins it for Spain

“It is a moment I have been waiting for for many years,” Moya said, overcome by emotion and wiping tears from his eyes. “An incredible way to win the cup.

“The Davis Cup is my dream. I don’t believe there is anything bigger than what I’ve lived through today.”

Roddick, caked in red clay, hurled himself all over the specially-constructed court within Seville’s Olympic Stadium throughout the contest but was simply unable to fend off his tormentor.

Moya’s victory gave Spain an unassailable 3-1 lead over the United States, Moya having beaten Mardy Fish and Roddick having fallen to Rafael Nadal on the opening day before Bob and Mike Bryan won Saturday’s doubles.

The former French Open champion got off to a great start, streaking into a 4-0 lead before Roddick registered on the scoreboard.

With Spanish trumpeters tooting in the crowd and against a sea of red and yellow flags, Moya teased and tormented the rampaging Roddick with an array of spins and angles.

Moya wrapped up the opening set in just 36 minutes as U.S. coach Patrick McEnroe squirmed in his courtside seat.

The second was closer, the players exchanging breaks of serve early on before matching each other blow for blow into the tiebreak.

At 6-6, Moya pulled away, unfurling one groundstroke after another past the lunging Roddick and wrapping it up 7-1.

Roddick trudged back to his seat as the fiesta began, 27,000 fans singing and dancing in the stands. It was a little premature, but it was a long way back for Roddick.

He stuck to his guns, hammering serves at the Spanish baseliner but Moya stood firm and the third set also extended to a tiebreak.

Once again, Moya’s nerve proved the stronger as he clinched a famous victory.

As Moya fell to the ground, Spain’s Crown Prince Felipe and his new bride Letizia leapt to their feet.

Moya’s team mates sprinted to embrace him before showering the player in cava.

“Carlos was waiting a long time for this moment and he played a magnificent game,” Spain’s coach Jordi Arrese said, tears welling in his eyes.

“This situation was perfect for charly…he was concentrating so well — in a bubble of concentration.

“He had been waiting years to be in this position. He played a fantastic game… it was his match.” (Reuters)