Spain Is Cautious About 2013 Davis Cup Draw

Written by: Staff on 20th September 2012

Davis Cup semi final between Spain and the United States

Spain Is Cautious About 2013 Davis Cup Draw

epa03397652 Davis Cup team's captain Alex Corretja (R) and Spanish player David Ferrer share a laugh before the first match of the Davis Cup semi final between Spain and the United States on 14 September 2012 in Oviedo, Asturias, northern Spain. EPA/JL CEREIJIDO |

Spain is wary of an energy-sapping trip to Canada for a Davis Cup first-round tie next year, with teams expected to be in place for training and acclimation across the Pacific only hours after the Australian Open final in Melbourne.

With the powerhouse Spaniards due for the 2012 Davis final in the Czech Republic in eight weeks, the timetable could not be more draining for Alex Corretja’s men. Also in the mix: doubts on the participation of injured Rafael Nadal, who has yet to resume the current season due to a knee injury after last playing in late June.

Five-times champion Spain are already preparing for the worst for the Feb 1-3 tie. “Canada was one of the strongest opponents we could have drawn, not only for the quality of the team led by Milos Raonic but also for the fact that we are the away team and only a week after the Australian Open,” said captain Alex Corretja after the draw made this week in London.

“That means another long journey and all the effects of the change in time zone. It will be a tough tie but the important thing right now is to focus on the final we have to play in two months against Czech Republic,” he told the Spanish federation website.

Another huge doubt for Davis Cup 2013 could well be Roger Federer, with the Swiss now reconsidering his autumn schedule after saving his nation once again in the weekend playoff victory over the Netherlands but declaring himself in need of a long holiday. The Swiss will host 2012 finalist the Czech Republic in Switzerland to start next year.

And player like Federer or Nadal who goes deep at the Australian Open could well be too exhausted to participate in Davis play, which has drawn fire for years for what appears to be a never-ending scheduling which takes a big toll on players.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Alex Corretja, Canada Davis Cup, milos raonic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sapin Davis Cup