PTI
New Delhi, Sept 12: Spain did not need their best players to beat India but then they are taking the World Group Davis Cup play-off tie very ‘seriously’, bringing a strong 20-member contingent to tackle the lower-ranked home players.
Led by World No. 4 Rafael Nadal, the Spaniards landed here Monday morning and hit the courts in the evening.
After watching Nadal and David Ferrer indulge in an intense session lasting 90 minutes, it was not difficult to conclude that the Indian players have fire to deal with.
They hit the ball clean, flat and with such ferocity that it never looked liked a practice session. Saketh Myneni (ranked 137) and Ramkumar Ramanathan (203) are set be exposed to some high quality tennis.
In spite of the hot and humid conditions, Nadal expressed satisfaction with the courts. Asked if he liked the evening timing for the tie, the 14-time Grand Slam champion, covered in sweat-soaked T-shirt, said it was ‘very necessary’.
“The court is good, it’s very humid. First day, we had a long trip. To be in India again is nice. I have been here a lot of times in last couple of years. I feel good here, good people, good crowd,” Nadal said.
When asked what made Spain bring players like him for a tie like this where the rivals do not have difficult players to handle, Nadal said winning the World Group place back is a ‘motivation’.
“I am representing my country and that’s always special motivation. There’s always confrontation when you are not playing at home, so difficult. India have a good team, it will be tough. They will be playing at home in front of home crowd in conditions they chose,” Nadal stated.
