 Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 07 Dec 2000 |  Photographer: Sergio Carmona
Date: 08 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Carmona
Date: 08 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Carmona
Date: 08 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Carmona
Date: 08 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Carmona
Date: 08 Mar 2009 |
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| 23 Nov 2009 | |
| Davis Cup is priority for Nadal |
Rafael Nadal will be making his second Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final appearance when he takes to the court against Czech Republic in Barcelona.
“Davis Cup is always a special competition so every tie is important,” said Nadal. “I say before the season starts that Davis Cup this year is going to be an important goal for me.”
Nadal played in Spain’s first round victory over Serbia but was then forced to miss the next two ties, which yielded wins against Germany and Israel, due to injury. He was also absent from last year’s winning side that defeated Argentina in Mar del Plata.
“It was tough for me but I was supporting the team and I hope to be in the Final helping our team win its fourth Davis Cup,” said the Spaniard. “It’s always special to play at home because you play in front of your crowd and the atmosphere is always unbelievable.”
Nadal carries flag
Although Nadal played in the 2004 Final, he was also present at Spain’s first Davis Cup triumph. The location was the same as this year - Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona - and the future world No. 1, then aged just 14, carried his nation’s flag (see photo above).
“I was there in 2000 when they won. I had the flag, but this year I hope I will be there playing,” said Nadal. “It’s always an advantage to play at home but the Czechs are very good players on clay too.”
Nadal’s debut for Spain, back in 2004, was coincidentally against Czech Republic. Having lost the opening rubber, the only singles defeat of his Davis Cup career, he bounced back to defeat Radek Stepanek in the deciding fifth match.
“It was against the Czechs that I played my first time in Davis Cup so to play against the Czechs at home is going to be special,” said Nadal. “They have a very good team, good doubles, very good two singles. Every point is going to be very difficult.”
Nadal has been selected in the team by Albert Costa, the Spanish captain, along with Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez. Meanwhile, Juan Carlos Ferrero will also travel to Barcelona as first substitute.
Click the link below to listen to Craig Gabriel’s full interview with Rafael Nadal…
Related Audio
 Interview with Rafael Nadal (ESP) - Pre-Final
 
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