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Argentina liking its chances over Nadal-less Spain

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-12 09:49

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina _ Rafael Nadal's injury-forced withdrawal from the Davis Cup final has Argentina salivating in anticipation, if not quite counting on certain victory against Spain.

World number one tennis player Rafael Nadal gestures during a news conference in Barcelona November 10, 2008. [Agencies]

As the Argentine players opened training in the beach city of Mar del Plata, captain Alberto Mancini said he regrets Nadal's absence _ but acknowledged that it makes them the favorite to lift the Davis Cup for the first time.

Argentina is hosting the final for the first time next week.

"Argentines want to be Davis Cup champions," Mancini said. "And in that sense this is good news, because our chances improve."

Added Jose Acasuso: "It's true that our possibilities are better, but we're still up against a tough opponent. We can't relax."

Local media was less circumspect.

"Advantage Argentina!" the daily La Nacion crowed on Tuesday, a day after Nadal bowed out because of knee tendinitis that failed to respond to a week of treatment.

The title "has to be ours," sports newspaper Ole said.

Most papers warned against overconfidence, however.

Under the headline "It's a Shame, Rafa," Clarin said that "Spain will feel a blow from not having its best player, but will be no small obstacle and can count on experienced tennis players."

The 56th-ranked Marcel Granollers, who has never played in the Davis Cup, replaced top-ranked Nadal, joining David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez. Spain won the cup in 2000 and 2004.

Argentina will be represented by Juan Martin del Potro, who was at the Masters Cup in Shanghai, David Nalbandian, Acasuso and Agustin Calleri.

The tie on indoor hard-court at Islas Malvinas stadium, starts on November 21.