Nalbandian sorry for Nadal

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:09

Tendinitis forced the world number one to pull out of this weekend’s showdown in Mar del Plata, the first time Argentina will host the final.

“I wanted Nadal to be in this final,” said Nalbandian. “He is a friend of mine and missing this decisive chance is not nice at all.”

He added: “Now, things have changed a little bit, but we are focused on doing our best no matter which rival we play against.

“These five matches we are playing this weekend are very important for all the effort and sacrifice we’ve made in the Davis Cup.”

Captain Alberto Mancini thinks one of the keys to beating the Spaniards will be “not relaxing because Spain, even without Nadal, are a very strong team”.

He added: “The guys are very motivated. All the rubbers are possible to be won because we are playing very well.”

World number nine Juan Martin del Potro is getting used to the indoor carpet of the Estadio Islas Malvinas following his arrival in Mar del Plata on Monday.

The final follows on from the 20-year-old’s first appearance at the Masters Cup in Shanghai, and he said: “The trip has been quite long, but I feel fine.”

He is suffering some problems with his toenails, and told the Ole newspaper: “I am using creams and some painkillers but I will do my best in each match. If I have to be given an injection, I will do so. I want to go on holidays with the cup.”

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