Nalbandian focused on Davis Cup

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:05

Argentina face Spain between November 21 and 23 in Buenos Aires in the Davis Cup showdown, less than a week after the high-profile China-based tournament

Reports have been circulating that world number seven Nalbandian would boycott the Davis Cup final after a disagreement with the Argentinian Tennis Association, but he refuted the speculation, insisting: “Yes of course. We are in the final and I’m going to compete. I’ve never been in any doubt about my participation.”

He added: “Going to Shanghai is not an objective of mine. I am focused on the Davis Cup at the end of the year and to arrive there as prepared as possible.

“I’m not concerned about going to the Masters Cup or not.”

However, Nalbandian criticised the decision to host the final at Mar del Plata rather than in his hometown Cordoba, claiming the lower altitude will be advantageous for the Spanish players.

“Personally, I feel we will benefit more by playing in conditions with a higher altitude,” he said.

“The conditions in Cordoba are faster than in Mar del Plata, so we’re obviously giving Spain an advantage by playing in Mar del Plata.

“It wasn’t a clever decision from a sports point of view. Rafa (Nadal) and David Ferrer are arriving there on the Monday night from Shanghai and they would (if the location was Cordoba) have only a few hours to get used to the change in altitude so this decision will make things a little easier for them.”

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