Rafael Nadal is still recovering from a wrist injury which led to his pulling out of the opening singles tie at the last minute today, according to Spain teammate Feliciano Lopez who exuded confidence that the multiple Grand Slam victor may turn up for the doubles in the Davis Cup World Group play-off against India here tomorrow.
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14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal was supposed to open the Davis Cup in India against Ramkumar but he pulled out of the tournament due to a stomach bug. Australia lost to the U.S.in the World Group first round this year.
This was a match that Paes, looking to become the sole holder of most doubles wins in Davis Cup play with 44 – he is now level with Nicola Pietrangeli on 43 – and Myneni had to win to keep India in the this World Group playoff rubber, and when they took the opening set, there were hopes of an upset.
The second singles match later on Friday will pit Saketh Myneni against World No.13 David Ferrer.
Nadal has been pivotal in Spain’s four (2004, 2008, 2009 2011) of the five Davis Cup title wins and Ferrer too has played a significant role in three of those title triumphs (2008, 2009, 2011).
The not only gave Spain an unassailable 3-0 lead over India in World Group Play Off in Davis Cup, but also helped them to qualify for the World Group.
Spanish tennis player Feliciano Lopez in action against India’s Ramkumar Ramanathan during Davis Cup World Group Play-off at RK Khanna Tennis Stadium in New Delhi on Sept 16, 2016. The Indian duo were targeting the Marc Lopez serves. “Crowd was cheering me on and I really thankful to them”, Ramanathan said after the match. At the Olympics, Nadal played in singles, doubles and mixed doubles as well.
Rafael Nadal’s decision to opt out of the opening match remained shrouded in mystery with captain Conchita Martinez and player Feliciano Lopez coming up with completely different versions.
Paes returned the compliments by praising Nadal and the Spanish team. He is one of the best players of all time.
The 21-year-old Indian saved another chance in the seventh game in which he double-faulted twice, while 30-0 up, but Lopez just needed to hold his serve and the Spaniard easily served out the set in the 10th game at love. They may concede a few years to the home players but their fitness is not in question.
His presence in Spain’s national jersey for the Davis Cup doubles tie on Saturday stirred up the passion, clamour and an unabated excitement in the stands. The rest of the set was played out on serve as Lopez won 6-3 with a backhand volley after 43 minutes.
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The third set went with the serve before Ramanathan, who was struggling in the hot and humid conditions, required a medical time out after the fifth game. However, Nadal’s serve was broken immediately in the fourth set to give the Indians a 2-0 lead.
