Rafael Nadal has been left out of Spain’s Davis Cup tie against Croatia this weekend following his recent run to the final of the Australian Open.
The expected decision was confirmed in a statement from the Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) on Monday morning. Nine-time French Open champion Nadal has played in 17 ties for his country since 2004, winning 27 out of the 32 matches. Davis Cup captain Conchita Martinez explained the decision was made to aid Nadal’s recovery following his Australian Open performance.
“Rafa’s wear and tear in the last month has been very significant,” Martinez told the Spanish Tennis Federation website on Monday.
“He needs time to recover from his efforts and I’m certain that he will accompany us in the next rounds.”
Martinez’s decision was influenced by Ángel Ruiz Cotorro, who advised her that the world No.6 should not play in the event due to the ‘short recovery time’. Cotorro is the head of medical services for the RFET.
Replacing Nadal will be Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez, who made his Davis Cup debut in 2003. The 33-year-old played in the 2008 Davis Cup final where Spain defeated Argentina 3-1 to clinch the title.
“I thank Feliciano López for his immediate willingness to travel, demonstrating once again his enormous commitment to the team, for which he is a fundamental player.” Martinez said of Lopez.
“We know of the experience of Feli in the Davis Cup and his ability on this type of surfaces.”
Lopez will be joined by Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno and Marc Lopez in their upcoming clash against Croatia. The tie will be hosted on an indoor hard court at the Sportska Dvorana Gradski Vrt in Osijek, Croatia.
Spain has won the Davis Cup five times with their most recent triumph occurring in 2011.
#CROESP Change of nomination for Spain ahead of the #DavisCup World Group first round as @feliciano_lopez replaces Rafael #Nadal pic.twitter.com/HdntENoiYp
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) 30 January 2017
