With more players than any ther nation in the top 100 of the ATP rankings (14) it is almost a mystery that Spain find themselves in Odense, Denmark this weekend for a Europe/Africa Group 1 First Round Playoff. The situation Spain has got itself into is the result of a terribly run national federation (RFET), in which there wasn’t much clarity as to where funding was going and decisions were being made without discussing with the country’s top players. Former WTA player, Gala Leon, was named as Davis Cup captain after Carlos Moya took a step back following the bitter relegation from the World Group after defeat in Brazil and the folowing seven to eight months were an exchange of finger pointing which did Spanish tennis no good whatsoever.
Spain could have been playing in the playoffs to return to the David Cup World Group this week but an expected defeat in Russia after being two rubbers to the good mean they find themselves in the island of Funen, taking on a nation not known for its prodigious history in the game. Conchita Martinez has taken no chances despite the gulf in talent between the two nations on paper and has called up Rafa Nadal, David Ferrer, Roberto Bautista and Fernando Verdasco. These players have not only turned up to help their nation reestablish its place among the elite but also because they have to play the minimum amount of ties to ensure they are eligible to participate in the Olympic Games in Rio next summer.
Denmark’s main weapon is 2012 Wimbledon doubles champion Fredrik Nielsen who currently holds a singles ranking of 283 and doubles ranking of 149. Alongside him are Mikael Torpegaard (world number 909), Christian Sisgaard (no ranking) and Thomas Kromann (no ranking).
The tie will take place on an indoor hard court and if the Danes need to look for inspiration, they can draw it from the fact that they have defeated Spain both times they’ve squared off in the Scandinavian nation, in 1988 and 1964.
Torpegaard and Nadal will open proceedings tomorrow, followed by Ferrer v Nielsen.
Here’s what Rafa Nadal has to say before the tie:
“We’ve come back in a new situation for all of us, which is to play in Group 1, but we must accept that we have to work hard to pass this round and fight next year to return to the World Group. I’m here to help the team pass this round. The season is coming to an end and I’m going to try and finish it in the best way possible and prepare for next year”.
