Sao Paulo, Sep 15 (IANS): Thomaz Bellucci defeated Roberto Bautista 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 as Brazil eliminated Spain from the Davis Cup World Group.
The result Sunday gave the hosts an unassailable 3-1 lead in the playoff at the indoor court in Ibirapuera, near here, reports Xinhua.
It marks Brazil's return to the competition's elite category after their relegation last year.
"It's an emotional moment for Brazilian tennis and it comes at the right time," Bellucci said after his victory.
Spain, who were without Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer for the tie, will next year be absent from the World Group for the first time since 1996.
"Sport is like that, one day you win and another day you lose," Spain captain Carlos Moya said.