Rafa Nadal and David Ferrer got called up for the Europe/Africa Group 1 first round playoff against Denmark to ensure that Spain endured no more nervy moments in the Davis Cup and they delivered.
First up on court was Nadal against world number 909 Mikael Torpegaard and despite winning 6-4, 6-3, 6-2, the world number 7 did face some difficulty on the quick indoor court in Odense and had to fend off three break points at 4-4 in the opening set. The young Dane continued to push in the second set, rushing to the net and forcing Nadal to find small gaps past his imposing frame, and the 21 year old was finally rewarded with a break of serve in the opening game. However his inexperince did end up telling and with several unforced errors, Nadal utimately pulled through in three sets in yet another unconvincing performance from the Mallorcan.
Second on court were David Ferrer and Fredrik Nielsen, who was expected to pose more of a threat for the Spaniards. Ferrer, recovering from an elbow injury that has affected his summer US hard court swing, was relentless and displayed some of his best tennis, sweeping to a 6-1, 7-5, 6-2 victory. Nielsen came out with a very aggresive game plan but Ferrer showed some of his characteristic strengths; a brilliant return and a tireless capacity to hunt everything down. The Dane simply could not cope with his opponent and Spain’s number two made it 2-0.
After the match Ferrer stated that “it was important to start well and the truth is we’ve put the tie where we wanted. We just need one point and hopefully we’ll get it on Saturday. I played with good intensity and I’m pleased with that. I hadn’t played many matches coming into the US Open so this is good for me”.
As for the remainde of the season, the man from Alicante assured that “I haven’t set myself a target. I simply want to compete and be in good shape physically. After three very tough months now I’m calm because I’m competing again, and the rest will come”.
Conchita Martinez confirmed that Rafa Nadal and Fernando Verdasco will line up in the doubles for Spain, taking on Fredrik Nielsen and Thomas Kromann.
