Nadal-Gasquet and Ferrer-Simon, the tie will open this Friday from 12.00
Spain and France are measured in the Los Califas bullring in Cordoba for a spot in the Davis Cup final 2011. With Rafael Nadal at the head, the 'Armada' wants to keep adding wins at home and on clay, while the Gauls try the macho despite the absence of Gael Monfils in their ranks.
In a bullring, on clay and the best players. Albert Costa has, after three rounds in a row at home (France, Belgium, United States), with the best possible scenario for dealing with a Davis Cup tie. Across France, perhaps along with Spain's great power in the world of the racket, the desired opponent after the ambush last year in Clermont-Ferrand. There is desire of 'vendetta' by us, but more to reach the final eighth in the history of this competition. The Salad is very close and the option to grab it again passes through the Gauls break this weekend.
Spain has 19 consecutive wins as host and 21-game winning streak on clay. Since the fall in Lleida against Brazil (2-3) in the World Group first round in 1999, the `Navy 'has become invincible at home and on clay. For this occasion the venue chosen was the Plaza de Toros de Córdoba, a venue with capacity for 13,000 spectators that will make the `I'm Spanish 'his tune header. Hot environment (35 º) and festive in the stands. Tension and swords in style in the arena.
Heat in the atmosphere and in the stands
Spain will be led this time by Rafael Nadal (18-5), No. 2 in the world and with which Spain has yielded only a tie when he has been on track. Despite New York whirlwind trip to Seville, Cordoba and jet'lag `'which is still recovering, his presence seems assured. Another fixed for the coach is David Ferrer (15-4), leader of the `Navy 'in the` Austinazo' quarter-final. Fernando Verdasco (14-10) and Feliciano Lopez (12-14) are called to play only the doubles, although either could enter the fray before if coast it saw fit.
The French team led by Guy Forget comes to the appointment with the notable absence of Gael Monfils, but ready to spring a surprise. For individual, Captain Gallo has marked cards and play with Richard Gasquet (6-6) and Gilles Simon (3-4), who despite having spent a bout of flu appears to be in top condition to jump into the ring. So, let Jo-Wilfred Tsonga (9-1) for the combination of doubles with Michael Llodra (19-11).
The bugle will sound for the first time this Friday at 12.00 when Nadal and Gasquet to open the tie. Both have met on ten occasions, with a background of 9-1 favorable for the Spanish (the only victory gala was a Challenger in 2003). After the change of pace will close the first poster Ferrer and Simon, have been dealt a win in the two previous meetings to date. The doubles match will be Saturday from 15.00 and on Sunday will begin the day from 12.00. Spain and France have been measured in a total of seven times, with a background of 5-2 in favor of ours.