Fri 07 Nov, 04:49 PM
BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Argentine star David Nalbandian said Friday he hoped that world number one Rafael Nadal would win his battle to be fit for the Davis Cup final even if it meant the host country would have a tougher task to capture a maiden success.
"Of course I hope that Nadal comes - even if it makes it tougher," world number 11 Nalbandian told reporters as he prepared for the November 21-23 battle in the Argentine city of Mar del Plata.
Nadal, a champion with Spain in 2004, said Tuesday that he was hoping to make the final despite being forced to skip the season-ending Shanghai Masters Cup owing to tendinitis in his right knee. Nadal, 22, who landed a fourth straight French Open title and a first Wimbledon crown this season to dethrone Roger Federer from top spot, is hoping to recover in time for the indoor hard court showdown. Nalbandian, for all that he would like to deliver a first Argentine title, said of Nadal: "He brings something different to the mix and it would be more entertaining" if he were on the other side of the net.
If Nadal doesn't make it the Spanish would likely call up Tommy Robredo, who is ranked 21 in the world "but of course that wouldn't be the same," said Nalbandian, who was speaking in his home city of Cordoba, where he had hoped the final would be staged. Argentina's Tennis Association instead plumped for Mar del Plata, 400 kilometres south of Buenos Aires.
Nalbandian and new sensation Juan Martin Del Potro, ranked number eight, will contest the singles with skipper Alberto Mancini having called up Jose Acasuso and Agustin Calleri, ranked 48 and 60, to complete the squad. Del Potro will arrive having to recharge his batteries after competing in Shanghai in the coming days but Nalbandian thinks the hosts can pull off a win.
"Friday will be a key day. Both matches will be tough but winnable. Spain's weak point is the doubles and we must draw maximum benefit from that. But Friday is the key and it's very important to start off well," said Nalbandian.
BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Argentine star David Nalbandian said Friday he hoped that world number one Rafael Nadal would win his battle to be fit for the Davis Cup final even if it meant the host country would have a tougher task to capture a maiden success.
"Of course I hope that Nadal comes - even if it makes it tougher," world number 11 Nalbandian told reporters as he prepared for the November 21-23 battle in the Argentine city of Mar del Plata.
Nadal, a champion with Spain in 2004, said Tuesday that he was hoping to make the final despite being forced to skip the season-ending Shanghai Masters Cup owing to tendinitis in his right knee. Nadal, 22, who landed a fourth straight French Open title and a first Wimbledon crown this season to dethrone Roger Federer from top spot, is hoping to recover in time for the indoor hard court showdown. Nalbandian, for all that he would like to deliver a first Argentine title, said of Nadal: "He brings something different to the mix and it would be more entertaining" if he were on the other side of the net.
If Nadal doesn't make it the Spanish would likely call up Tommy Robredo, who is ranked 21 in the world "but of course that wouldn't be the same," said Nalbandian, who was speaking in his home city of Cordoba, where he had hoped the final would be staged. Argentina's Tennis Association instead plumped for Mar del Plata, 400 kilometres south of Buenos Aires.
Nalbandian and new sensation Juan Martin Del Potro, ranked number eight, will contest the singles with skipper Alberto Mancini having called up Jose Acasuso and Agustin Calleri, ranked 48 and 60, to complete the squad. Del Potro will arrive having to recharge his batteries after competing in Shanghai in the coming days but Nalbandian thinks the hosts can pull off a win.
"Friday will be a key day. Both matches will be tough but winnable. Spain's weak point is the doubles and we must draw maximum benefit from that. But Friday is the key and it's very important to start off well," said Nalbandian.
Argentina have twice lost finals but this is their first home trophy match.
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