Spain is one win away from a return trip to the Davis Cup World Group heading into doubles action on Saturday. Fernando Verdasco and Rafael Nadal roll to singles wins on Friday to put the home team in front.
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) d. Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2
Verdasco improved to 3-0 lifetime against Dolgopolov by kicking off the Spain vs. Ukraine Davis Cup playoffs tie with a four-set win on Friday afternoon in Madrid. The Spaniard needed two hours and 33 minutes to complete his comeback from a one-set deficit. It was Dolgopolov who got off to an impressive start, breaking twice in the first set without facing a break point on his own serve. Little separated the two players in the second. Verdasco won two more points than his opponent, but he saved one break point and capitalized on one of his three chances before serving it out at 5-4.
Sets three and four, however, were more straightforward for Verdasco. The world No. 33 generally held in far more routine fashion than Dolgopolov in the third even though it was decided by just one break. Verdasco closed it out at 5-4 then dropped only four points in his last four service games. Dolgopolov committed 14 unforced errors in the fourth to end his hopes of ever getting back on track in the match.
Rafael Nadal (ESP) d. Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) 6-0, 6-0, 6-4
Playing just four days after winning his second U.S. Open title, Nadal clearly had no interest in staying on the court any longer than necessary. The world No. 2 lost just four games and needed only one hour and 42 minutes to put Spain ahead of the Ukraine 2-0. Stakhovsky, who famously upset Roger Federer at Wimbledon this summer, did not even win a single game in the first two sets. He won a mere total of nine points in the entire second frame of play–six on serve and three on return.
Stakhovsky finally got on the scoreboard in set three, and he did so on four straight service occasions. The world No. 92 fought off five break points along the way, but Nadal finally converted his sixth chance of the set at 4-4 with a perfect passing shot. Nadal held easily one game later to wrap up the proceedings in style. The 13-time Grand Slam champion will team up with Marc Lopez on Saturday in hopes of clinching the tie and sending Spain to the 2014 World Group.
That was very impressive from Rafa. Only saw the tail end of Nando’s match.
Davis Cup always seems to bring out the best in Nando.
Toni Nadal has confirmed that Rafa will play Beijing and Shanghai after he will rest for couple of days in Manacor (hometown). See text at the picture:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=627108617310291&set=a.149687818385709.26195.148883365132821&type=1&theater
That’s a lovely shot of Rafa and his uncle. It captures the rapport and affection between them to perfection.
It is clear they are intent on ‘making hay while the sun shines’.
Here are the permutations according to Juan Jose:
RT @juanjo_sports: “So…if my calculations are correct (and they might not be), if Djokovic wins both his singles rubbers, he would stay #1 if he makes the — Beijing final (and Nadal doesn’t play that tournament). If Nadal plays the event, making the final clinches #1. I think.”
RT @juanjo_sports: “Of course, Nadal would only have to advance that far if Djokovic makes it to that final. If Nadal wins said final, he’s #1 anyway.”
Chances Novak may have to play 2 rubbers since Tipsy lost, picking up ranking points. I guess Team Nadal have the above permutations in mind as they plot Rafa’s end of season schedule. Ending the year #1 is very important for Rafa.
—he [Djoko] would stay #1 if he makes the — Beijing final (and Nadal doesn’t play that tournament). If Nadal plays the event, making the final clinches #1.—
Correct.
Told you, they will soon be clamouring to cut his veins to check if he bleeds red:
“Spanish captain Alex Corretja about Rafael Nadal: “I think he’s from a different planet. This is almost impossible what he’s done today, coming from a different surface and time schedule. He spends the whole summer in the States and he came here and won nil and nil in the first two sets. I think only very special people can do that and Rafa is one of them.”
“Corretja said: “We spoke a couple of days ago and he [Nadal] felt that if he was feeling good after his singles, he said that he would be able to play and we feel that Marc and Rafa are the best pair we can put out and that’s what we’re going to do. We know it’s a difficult decision because we leave Tommy on the bench and he’s been practising really well and working very hard.”
http://rafaelnadalfans.com/2013/09/13/rafael-nadal-back-to-winning-on-clay-davis-cup/
It must be really hard for Robredo to swallow after his impressive results recently but there’s no room for pride where DC is concerned! AC’s reputation as captain is on the line after the heavy criticism he came in over his choices last year.
^^^^ …….heavy criticism he came in FOR………
StreamHunter is showing Marc/Lobredo in the doubles.
the davis cup website also has marc/robredo. Rafa is not playing so relax guys
Sorry, you mean, Corretja has changed his mind again and is not playing Rafa/ Marc Lopez in dubs?I thought ITF were just being tardy in updating the Davis Cup website. I thought Clayqueen meant Streamhunter is showing the dubs live, not so much that T-Rob is playing.
#Confusing
RT @DavisCup: “Changes in nomination for the doubles in Madrid: Nadal replaces Robredo for Spain and Stakhovsky replaces Manafov for Ukraine”
This tweet just in…..
Deucy: Hope you’re watching Andy strutting his stuff in Croatia 😉
The dreaded Frew and Simon Reed commentating 🙁
Brits up 2:0
ooo so rafa IS playing ! thanks ritb… when exactly does it start?
55 mins from now, whatever your time zone
vamosrafa @September 14, 2013 at 12:57 pm
You’ll find all the schedules (and other data) here:
http://www.daviscup.com/en/home.aspx
I’ve indulged in a subscription for Davis Cup live streaming.
$9:95 for the weekend but good value since you can several matches simultaneously by splitting your screen. Excellent quality too. No buffering and no ads!
NB: There may be a slight time lag between registering and actually receiving the stream. I had to wait about 30 minutes.
ed, Which live stream?
Sorry, I’ve only just spotted your question 🙁
I was referring to the official Davis Cup site. Guess it’s too late now unless you found your own way there!
Five minutes to the off for Rafa and Marc
I was able to subscribe in time for the start. Thanks, ed for the info.
The draw is updated:
http://www.daviscup.com/en/draws-results/tie/details.aspx?tieId=100019832
This guy is unbelievable. He is in the fight for no.1, has just won the most gruelling tournaments. Must be draining emotionally if not physically. Despite this he goes on to play singles and doubles for his country. He must really be smarting from the time off last year. Does not want to miss a single opportunity to lift the racquet and hit the tennis ball
^^^^^ ? ? ?
I’m cracking up. Marc is trying to discuss tactics between points meanwhile Rafa is solemnly going through his touch the hair-ear-nose routine. lol.
I’m surprised at the number of empty seats.
Same in Croatia. Although they said there was a 350 strong British contingent there. They managed to make more noise than the locals most of the time.
Oh dear, this is going on longer than it should do.
As others have commented, very impressed by Rafa’s willingness to play for his country, although only days after his OPEN victory. He’s just a class act in every way!
Hardly classic doubles play. Both teams staying between the baseline or behind the service line most of the time. Where is the rat-a-tat-tat net play?
And the winners are: Rafa & Marc!! Well done!!
Spain vs Ukraine 3:0 – and Spain qualified for the World Group (2014)!!!
Vamos the Spanish Tennis Armada!!!