|
|
|
| February 07, 2007 | Wednesday | Muharram 18, 1428 |
Nadal fit for Davis Cup tie against Switzerland
GENEVA, Feb 6: World number two Rafael Nadal said on Wednesday he was fully fit again ahead of Spain’s opening leg Davis Cup tie against Switzerland in Geneva later this week.
“I’m fine. I’m 100 percent good and I was practising over the last week in Majorca,” the 20 year-old Spaniard said here.
Nadal limped out of the Australian Open on Jan 24 after a straight-set defeat against Chilean Fernando Gonzalez.
Spanish team coach Emilio Sanchez said Nadal had strained a muscle in his left leg. “I expect three points, it doesn't matter from whom,” Sanchez said. “Nadal is a great competitor and he will give 100 percent and make life difficult for the Swiss players. But I hope the other Spanish players do the same,” he added.
Nadal stated he played his best tennis in Melbourne in his third round straight-set victory over Stanislaw Wawrinka, who will be leading the Swiss in Geneva in the absence of world number one Roger Federer.
Federer had already announced last Nov that he would not be taking part in the Davis Cup first round while he concentrated on his personal career.
Nadal, who has suffered from chequered form in recent months, said he fully understood Federer's decision. “For us it's maybe better if Federer is not here. I know if Federer were here it would be better for the show,” Nadal said, pointing to Spain's fragile Davis Cup record away from home.
“With Federer it would be worst but without him it's going to be tough too. For me one of my goals always is the Davis Cup. For me it's a very special competition, it’s one of my favourites.”—AFP
|
|
|
|
