Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and representatives from the Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) were received separately on Wednesday by the top Spanish authorities, President Mariano Rajoy and King Juan Carlos I of Spain.
The purpose of the visit was to officially commemorate the victory of the Spanish team in last year’s Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final that was held in Seville in December.
Nadal was warmly received by the head of state Juan Carlos with a hug at the reception room of the La Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, where the King congratulated him, Ferrer and also ex-captain Albert Costa for last year’s success.
During the visit, the King and Queen had the chance to have an informal chat about Seville’s final and the prospects for the current season including this year’s Davis Cup and the Olympic Tennis Event.
The Spanish Davis Cup team representation brought with them the trophy that they conquered in Seville and also presented the King with a scaled replica of the famous “Salad Bowl”.
Spain are the most successful Davis Cup team of the last decade accumulating five titles over the last 12 years (2000, 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2011). The last title, which was witnessed by the King at the stadium, came in a thrilling final against Argentina in which both Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer played a decisive role by winning their respective singles matches.
In the first round of the 2012 Davis Cup World Group, the Spanish team got off to a winning start after defeating Kazakhstan 5-0 in a tie that was held in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo.
Take a closer look at the Davis Cup trophy that was at centre stage of this event by viewing the Virtual Tour.