 Photographer: Sergio Carmona
Date: 07 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Carmona
Date: 08 Mar 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Carmona
Date: 10 Jul 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Carmona
Date: 18 Sep 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Carmona
Date: 20 Sep 2009 |  Photographer: Sergio Carmona
Date: 12 Jul 2009 |
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| 01 Dec 2009 - Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona - Chris Archer | |
| Costa confident ahead of Czech clash |
The Spanish team strolled into the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final pre-draw press conference - being held at Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi - full of confidence on Tuesday morning.
Such is the strength in depth that Spain possesses, Albert Costa, el capitan of the all-star line-up, can afford to leave Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former world No. 1, on the bench, only to be called upon if injury strikes.
“My feelings are really positive,” said Costa. “We’re playing at home. We’ll have all the support of our fans, the crowd. The team is doing a very good job this week. I’m very positive.”
Costa’s optimism is understandable considering he was sat alongside Rafael Nadal, Fernando Verdasco, David Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez. Make no mistake, this is a formidable group of players on any surface but when playing at home, and on clay, they’re almost unbeatable.
Spain’s last defeat on home soil came back in 1999 when Brazil, and, more significantly, Gustavo ‘Guga’ Kuerten, was the visitor. Since then, the Spaniards have won 17 straight ties at home – all on clay.
Don't rule out the Czechs
But Costa won’t be taking the Czechs lightly and he was quick to point out the strengths of a team spearheaded by two players who are highly driven by Davis Cup success, Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych.
“I know that Czech Republic is a great team,” said the Spanish captain. “We have a lot of respect for them. It will be a very tough tie. I know we are favourites, but not by much.”
Returning to Palau Sant Jordi, originally built to host the gymnastics event at the 1992 Olympic Games, brings back happy memories for Costa. It was here that, in 2000, he played in the team that won Spain’s first Davis Cup title, defeating Australia 3-1 in a fiery encounter.
“For me, it's really unbelievable,” said Costa. “Then I was a player, now I am the captain, so it's a completely different feeling. But it’s very nice to come back to Palau Sant Jordi to play for Spain’s fourth Davis Cup title.”
Costa isn't the only Spaniard involved in the current team to also play a part in that ground breaking victory. Ferrero won the decisive fourth rubber against Lleyton Hewitt and, in case anyone was wondering, the flag carrier at that Final was a young 14-year-old called Nadal, first name Rafael.
Related links on DavisCup.com
Tie information
News
Audio interviews
Related links on other websites
Real Federacion Espanola de Tenis
Czech Tenisova Asociace
Related Audio
 Interview with captain Albert Costa (ESP) - Tuesday
 
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