(AFP) – Top-ranked Rafael Nadal has arrived in Madrid to lead Spain in the new-look Davis Cup Finals.
“It’s a new competition and we must be focused,” Rafa said Sunday. “The first thing is to get familiar with it and to know that each match is vital.”
Spain opens against Russia on Tuesday before facing defending champion Croatia on Wednesday in the men’s international team tournament.
The matches will be played on hard courts at the “Caja Magica” (Magic Box) tennis complex.
“We have been put in a tough group and the surface is obviously not our favourite, but I believe that we are all motivated to be as well prepared as possible,” Rafa said.
“Today was my first day of training and I have been told that the team has been training well, so we hope that we are all in good shape and we can compete well.”
The 19-time Grand Slam winner will be joined by Feliciano Lopez, Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Marcel Granollers.
Spain has won the Davis Cup five times, but its last title came in 2011.
Source: AFP
Not a friend of the new Davis-Cup. But as always: Good luck and Vamos Rafa <3
I think that this new format of the Davis Cup is better for the players and fans – rather like the Laver Cup. I hope it’s a big success and look forward to seeing Rafa play tomorrow. Best of luck champ.
Have fun Rafa and stay healthy for 2020. Best to you and the rest of your team.
RAFAMAZING WORLD NUMBER ONE ROCKS
All the Best Team Spain good luck Rafa vamosssssssssssss champ 🎾❤️😘💪🇺🇸
LOVELY TEAM PHOTO !!!!!!:) YOU ALSO LOOK ADORABLE WITH THE TWEED HAT AND RED TEAM SPAIN JACKET 🙂 VAMOS AND LOTS OF FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)
All the best, Team Spain❤️
Vamos!