CLERMONT-FERRAND, France(AP) Julien Benneteau has sealed France's 5-0 sweep of Spain in their Davis Cup quarterfinal tie with a 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Feliciano Lopez.
Gilles Simon had beaten Nicolas Almagro 7-6 (4), 7-6 (7) in Sunday's first reverse singles match to give France a 4-0 lead.
France clinched its spot in the semifinals in Saturday's doubles, giving the host an unassailable 3-0 lead. The French, who have won the Davis Cup nine times, will next face Argentina at home in September.
Reigning two-time champion Spain was without top-ranked Rafael Nadal, who pulled out of the match to rest his sore knees.
Spain was handed its first 5-0 Davis Cup loss since 1957 when it lost to South Africa.