Veradasco: Argentina will be no pushover

 

Originally published on: 09/11/11 10:17

Fernando Verdasco believes the Spanish team face a real test when they take on Argentina in the Davis Cup final on home turf in Seville and cannot afford to take victory for granted.

The Spaniard reached a high point in his career in November 2008 when he won the fourth singles rubber – the day after winning the doubles rubber alongside Feliciano Lopez – to help Spain upset Argentina for the Davis Cup title in Buenos Aires.

“[Argentina] were considered the favourites (in 2008) and then they lost and we must learn from them,” said Verdasco. “It should be an incredible final and it’s very even. They have a great team too.”

Juan Martin del Potro and David Nalbandian are set to lead the line for the visitors, while Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer are expected to play the singles ties for Spain, with Verdasco more likely to play the doubles alongside Feliciano Lopez.

The world No.23’s form has been hit and miss in 2011 and despite 36 match wins, he has not been able to add to his career haul of five titles and has lost 24 matches this season. His seventh hard court defeat to Tomas Berdych in Paris on Tuesday brought an end to his ATP season and it remains to be seen whether he will have a chance to help Spain to their fifth Davis Cup victory.

“If I‘m on the team or not, it’s the decision of the captain,” said the 27-year-old Madrid native. “It’s going to be on clay and it’s gonna be a completely different thing [to the hardcourts of Paris].

“If I play Davis Cup, then I will try to prepare and get ready for that final the best as possible, too.

“And if I’m not, at least finish well here and then go for holidays – which I will deserve.”

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