02-Dec-2011
The News
SEVILLE, Spain: World number two Rafael Nadal will kick off Spain’s Davis Cup final bid against Argentina’s Juan Monaco in Friday’s opening singles match, following the draw here on Thursday.
In the second singles match, Spain’s David Ferrer will take on Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro.
Saturday’s doubles match will pit Spanish pair Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez against David Nalbandian and Eduardo Schwank.
The two final singles rubbers on Sunday will see Nadal meet Del Petro and Ferrer confront Monaco.
Argentina captain Modesto Vazquez’s choice between whether to deploy world number 29 Monaco or the more experienced Nalbandian against Nadal was the only source of suspense ahead of the draw. With Nadal famously invulnerable on clay, it appears Vazquez has decided to preserve the injury-prone Nalbandian in view of Saturday’s doubles.
Nalbandian has not played since October, whereas Monaco enjoyed a strong end to the ATP season, reaching the final in Valencia and the last eight at the Paris Masters.
“I’m getting old,” said Nalbandian, 29. “I’m not playing the singles but I’m confident for the doubles.”
As captains have an hour before each match on Saturday and Sunday to adjust their line-ups, Nalbandian could be drafted in to face Ferrer if Sunday’s final singles match proves decisive.
Spain are bidding for a fifth Davis Cup title, and their first since 2009, while Argentina have never tasted victory in the event despite three previous final appearances.
“We’ll fight for every ball,” said Monaco. “We’ll give everything we have.”
Serbia lost out on the chance to defend their title when Argentina advanced to the final after a 3-2 semifinal victory in Belgrade last September. |
