Tue, 11 Nov 17:48:00 2008
Marcel Granollers-Pujol has been called up to the Spain team in place of the injured Rafael Nadal for the Davis Cup final against Argentina later in November.
Captain Emilio Sanchez-Vicario handed Granollers a place alongside the more experienced David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez. Santiago Ventura will join the side as a reserve.
Nadal ruled himself out after failing to recover from tendonitis in his right knee.
"We leave for Argentina on Thursday with a motivated group. It's disappointing Nadal cannot be with us but we shouldn't talk about him any more from now on," Sanchez-Vicario said.
The captain said the demands of the season meant it had been difficult to prepare a plan B in case of injuries, and this had influenced his decision to opt for Davis Cup debutant Granollers.
Higher-ranked players like Carlos Moya, Tommy Robredo and Nicolas Almagro were tired or had already started their holidays ahead of pre-season training for next year.
"Granollers has huge potential and a great future in front of him and is capable of playing singles and doubles. It will be a great experience for him," Sanchez-Vicario added.
It will be Spain's sixth final, having won the competition twice before in 2000 and 2004.
The final takes place in Mar del Plata, Argentina from November 21-23.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
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