Nadal, Roddick set for Davis Cup return

 

Originally published on: 18/02/11 09:47

Rafael Nadal is back in training and has declared himself fit for Spain’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Belgium from March 4-6.

The world No.1 has not played since his quarter-final loss to compatriot David Ferrer at the Australian Open, but has been named in Spain’s Davis Cup squad alongside Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez for the Charleroi clash.

“Having the No.1 and the best sportsman of 2010 in the side gives us stability,” said team captain Albert Costa.

“After the small injury he had in Australia he did the work needed to get back into training. He’s coming back gradually and when he joins our training camp he’ll be in perfect condition.”

Spain, who have won the Davis Cup four times since 2000, will be looking for a repeat of their last clash with Belgium when they won 5-0 in Seville in 2003.

Nicolas Almagro has been dropped in favour of the world No.1, but the team will no doubt be buoyed by Nadal’s first Davis Cup appearance since December 2009, when Spain defeated the Czech Republic.

Meanwhile, Andy Roddick is also set to return to the Davis Cup fold after a two-year absence from the USA team. The world No.8 will lead the line for Jim Courier’s men against Chile on the Santiago clay – his least favourite surface – flanked by compatriots Sam Querrey, John Isner, and world no.1 doubles twins Bob and Mike Bryan.

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