Friday, November 21, 2008

Spain Missing Rafael Nadal for Davis Cup Final against Argentina

Argentina and Spain will take on each other in this year’s Davis Cup final on this weekend. However, Spain will miss its biggest star, world no. 1 Rafael Nadal due to the player’s tendonitis problem in his knee. This is the news that many see as a pre-match boost up for Argentina who will know the fact that they would not have to face a player who has spent an excellent year in 2008 on the court. Nadal won the French Open as usual, but the Spaniard got his first grand slam title outside Rolland Garros when he defeated Roger Federer in an epic final in Wimbledon 2008. That was not the end of Nadal’s excellent run in the year as the Spanish star went on to win the gold medal of men’s singles in Beijing Olympic 2008. After that he replaced Roger Federer at the top of the ATP ranking. Nadal defeated Federer on four occasions this year.

Tennis fans of Spain are disappointed at Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from Davis Cup match. Argentina is now favorite against Spain for the match. Young starlet Juan Martin del Potro, ranked 9th, and experienced David Nalbandian, who is ranked 11th, would play in the singles, while Jose Acasuso and Augustín Calleri might pair up in the doubles, or either of them could team up with Nalbandian in the doubles. They would not have to play against Spain at clay court. Rather, Argentina will take on Spain on fast indoor courts at the Islas Malvinas stadium. Argentine football legend Deigo Maradona, who recently got off to a winning start to his reign as coach of Argentina national football team, might present at the stadium.

Argentina has won 13 straight matches at home and they are considered to be favorite against Spain in the Davis Cup final. Now, let us see if Spain can fare well against Argentina in the absence of their best player, Rafael Nadal.

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