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Rafael Nadal thrilled with Spain's Davis Cup win over Argentina
Source: google.com - canadianpress
MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina Despite being thousands of kilometres away from his teammates, Rafael Nadal was thrilled with Spain's stunning Davis Cup victory against Argentina on Sunday.
The top-ranked Nadal had to withdraw from the squad just days before the final because of a knee injury, but said Sunday he closely followed the matches. He told Spanish TV that he watched Fernando Verdasco's decisive five-set victory against Jose Acasuso from his home in Mallorca, Spain, and had a huge grin the whole time.
"I don't think it's possible to be any happier. They achieved something impressive," Nadal said. "To win in Argentina, which came in behind an enormous number of home ties without a loss and in such a difficult environment, not too many would have expected it. I'm happiest for them, the players."
The victory gave Spain its third title, and snapped Argentina's 10-year unbeaten streak at home in the Davis Cup.
Nadal was part of the Spanish team which won the 2004 title, the nations' second. Spain also won it in 2000.
"These are unforgettable moments. It's a shame I couldn't be there, not only playing, but at least to support the team," Nadal said.
Team captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario said that it would be better if Nadal did not travel with the team to Argentina to avoid unnecessary distractions to the rest of the players.
Nadal also praised Sanchez Vicario, saying he was "great throughout."
In the first day of singles on Friday, Nadal called members of the team in between points to find out how his teammates were doing because the TV signal in the hotel he was at was cut.
Sanchez Vicario joked that he was lucky not to have his cell phone with him, otherwise Nadal would have tried to give him instructions.
"Winning any away tie is difficult. We're talking about Argentina where they have (Juan) Martin del Potro who has had the best second half of the season and the always dangerous David Nalbandian, we need to stress that they've made history. It's an unforgettable victory," Nadal said.
LEAVING CAPTAIN: Just moments after Spain won its third Davis Cup title with a stunning 3-1 win over Argentina on Sunday, captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario confirmed that he is leaving the team.
"I won't be the captain against Serbia," Sanchez Vicario said, referring to Spain's first tie next year. "After three years, the cycle ends here, but with a good prize."
Sanchez Vicario praised his players and wished his successor, yet to be announced, the same luck he had as a captain.
"I'm very happy to share this experience with my players these years," Sanchez Vicario said. "This is the biggest prize for me, including as a player."
Argentina captain Alberto Mancini, meanwhile, said he won't announce just yet whether he will be back next year. He confirmed that a decision has already been made, though.
NO FIGHT: Argentina captain Alberto Mancini heavily criticized the Argentine media after Sunday's loss to Spain in the Davis Cup final, calling their reports of a fight in the locker-room a day earlier "ridiculous."
"A lot of things were said, many ridiculous, like the ones about the punches in the locker-room," Mancini said. "The journalists also need to reflect ... these things affect the players."
Argentine players admitted no one was laughing in the team's locker-room after Saturday's doubles loss, but vehemently denied any altercation between David Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri as reported.
Local media cited sources close to the team on Sunday saying that Nalbandian and Calleri got into a fight after the four-set defeat to Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco. The loss was crucial, as it gave Spain a 2-1 lead which eventually was increased to an unassailable 3-1 after Verdasco's win over Jose Acasuso on Sunday.
"Nothing happened," Calleri said. "I don't know where they got that information."
Nalbandian did not show up for the mandatory news conference after the match and was fined US$5,000.
Mancini said Nalbandian left the Islas Malvinas Stadium right after the match because he was not feeling well emotionally. Source: google.com - canadianpress
Many consider 2004 to be Rafa's coming of age year, which saw him in his first ATP final, his first Davis Cup appearance, his first ATP title, and of course, his first victory over Roger Federer
