Spain's David Ferrer celebrates after beating Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro at La Cartuja Olympic stadium.

Story highlights

David Ferrer gives Spain a 2-0 lead in Davis Cup final against Argentina in Seville

World No. 5 beats Juan Martin del Potro in almost five hours in second singles match

Home team can clinch fifth title in tennis teams event in Saturday's doubles rubber

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal gave Spain early lead, beating Juan Monaco in straight sets

CNN  — 

David Ferrer came from behind to win an epic clash with Juan Martin del Potro and give Spain a commanding 2-0 lead in the Davis Cup final against Argentina on Friday.

The world No. 5 followed up Rafael Nadal’s straight-sets win over Juan Monaco in the opening singles rubber to put the home team in the driving seat to win a fifth teams title.

“I played the best match of my career,” Ferrer told reporters.

Fernando Lopez and Fernando Verdasco can seal Spain’s first success since 2009 in Saturday’s doubles clash with David Nalbandian and Eduardo Schwank.

Ferrer made a blistering start to the ATP World Tour Finals in London last month, beating Andy Murray and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. But he was surprisingly defeated by Tomas Berdych before losing to eventual winner Roger Federer in the semifinals of the hard-court event.

Back on his favored clay surface in Seville, Ferrer – nine inches shorter than his towering opponent – had the better of 11th-ranked del Potro as he won the first set 6-2.

However, the 2009 U.S. Open champion rallied strongly, winning the second set 7-2 in a tie-break and then moving ahead with a 6-3 victory in the third.

But, roared on by a vocal crowd, Ferrer won the next 6-4 and marched to a 5-1 lead in the decider before finally clinching the match in four hours 43 minutes.

It could prove to be a killer blow to the morale of the South Americans, who were beaten on home soil by Spain in the 2008 final.

Ferrer and del Potro both lost their only match that time, while Nadal was absent due to a knee injury.

The 10-time grand slam champion has had a wretched final stretch of the 2011 season, looking tired as he was eliminated early in London.

But the “King of Clay” showed his former dominance in dispatching Monaco, ranked 26th in the world, with a 6-1 6-1 6-2 victory.

“I was very positive before the match even if there was a lot of pressure. It’s an important victory,” Nadal said after his 19th win in 20 singles matches for his country.

“To win by such a score against a very strong player on clay is fabulous. I was sad for him as he is one of my best friends. I love playing at home. The atmosphere is great, it’s like a football match.”