Nadal leads Spain against US
2008-09-09 16:04
Madrid - World number one Rafael Nadal
will lead Spain's Davis Cup team against the United States for
their semifinal in Madrid next week, captain Emilio Sanchez
Vicario said on Tuesday.
Along with Nadal, Sanchez Vicario called up David Ferrer,
Fernando Verdasco, Feliciano Lopez and Nicolas Almagro for the
tie, with the latter named as cover for the four-man team in
case of any setbacks during the preparations.
"It takes a while to adapt to playing at altitude and if all
the players are there from the outset, we are better able to
cope with any emergencies that may occur," Sanchez Vicario told
a news conference.
He denied Almagro's presence was prompted by any worries
that Nadal may be suffering from fatigue after he was knocked
out of the US Open in the semifinals two days ago.
"Rafa has had a spectacular season and I am delighted
because he has a lot of confidence at present," Sanchez Vicario
said.
"He lost a match but the tiredness and stress are within
normal limits. He has a few days to recover, to sleep and relax,
before he comes here. He is very enthusiastic about this tie and
when he's like that there is no problem."
The semi-final against the holders will be held outdoors on
clay in Madrid's 21 000-seat bullring at Las Ventas on Sept
19-21.
"The United States are the champions, have a great team
spirit, and have been together for many years," Sanchez Vicario
said. "All the games will be very difficult and it should be a
great spectacle."