albert costa

Rafa Nadal, David Ferrer, Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco, led by Albert Costa, Spanish architects of the landmark

History has willed that Rafael Nadal Parera was the player who put the finishing touch to the Davis Cup final 2011 and gave Spain the fifth Salad in its history. The Spaniard, the king of clay, the idol of the Spanish fans, the mirror in which you look at the small and the largest value, the Macedonian work, humility and commitment to a `Armada´ leading and following aupando Spanish sport to the highest international scene.

Rafa Nadal was the champion of the Davis Cup final in 2000, which debuted in Spain Palau Sant Jordi. That kid was 14 years with admiration as Albert Costa, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alex Corretja and Balcells Joan entered the history by winning for the first time this competition. The youngest of the group that did not know, is that fate had reserved a room for glory in this competition. With the Olympic Stadium of La Cartuja as a witness, the same scenario that blankets seven years ago his idol and close friend Carlos Moya, Rafael has given Spain´s fifth Davis Cup history to break Juan Martin del Potro for a aggregate score of 1-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (0) after four hours and eight minutes in the fourth and final point. The seven times he has had in his hand close a tie, he did it. A champion.

Despite initial nerves of Del Potro, who gave the break in the opening game after adding two consecutive double faults, the Argentine hit forehands awoke from the bottom of track. Disadvantage not only recovered granted but signed six consecutive games to clinch the first set. "And paste and paste and paste Delpo stick", sang a swollen Argentina that he even bother to stop the match for Rafa in the service. The Spaniard, who played again crept into his left knee, was unable to turn to the situation. Remained too short, moved a few steps behind the baseline and just took the initiative in the exchange. After an hour, was the albiceleste who took advantage in battle.

Alarm bells in La Cartuja a break when Nadal conceded more in the opening game of the second act. The Argentine was punishing and dominating him, recalling at times the player profile pointing to number 1. However, Rafa returned to solve a problem of caste determination and claw. It is not surprising reaction from Nadal, but not to be missed highlight. He regained the downside after a 40-0 up after 83 minutes and signed his first game at the service. "Bring them, for them," answered the venerable Spanish then, that today it served as Davis Cup fans. Rafa learned to be patient, look in the trunk of the beating impossible and capitalize on their `passing´ backhand blow with which certified the break in the tenth game which involved balancing the contest.

Physical and mental rollercoaster of Tandil

Del Potro showed physical limitations. The battle for nearly five hours on Friday to David Ferrer was taking its toll. He went to the locker room to remove a bandage that looked at the femoral biceps of his left leg, but upon returning to the table he found a enchufadísimo `Nadal´. The Spaniard had risen a phoenix and confidently took control of the exchanges. He wound (3-0) and put the nail on the head (6-1). He thought, doubt, and having run his opponent and scored the third act. "Rafa, Rafa, Rafa," cheered the audience given to the cause. The Hammer of Manacor was tapping the moral little was left to the Tower of Tandil.

"The years pass, the players go ...", says the war anthem `Armada´. But there are symbols like Nadal will always be present in memory. Is one of those athletes who, although not at his best, compete, fight ... and wins. Although he started the fourth set with a break, Rafa knew it would be easy to put the finishing touch to the game. Del Potro took oxygen with stoppages brought about by the chants of the fans and turned the tables, reaching out to 5-3 to close the set. But epic and Davis Cup are two terms that go hand in hand and this time was once again evident. Nadal´s wake is not quenched, but especially shines when you need it most. His punches were further downturn as deep as the soul of his rival, he saw how, after being with hopes, it became 6-5 against. Fate had yet saved us a dose of emotion. Rafa failed to put the finishing time and the set went to tie-break. As it happened seven years ago at this same stage with Carlos Moya, now in tier-like protagonist, the final will be closed for Spain after a tie-break. He did hit a parallel right to the heart. Arms to the wind and fall into the ring.

Spain has signed a historical record in this competition. It took more than 100 years to open his belt, but only twelve have won five gold braid. This generation, commendable performance and difficult to repeat and continues its bit for the success of Spanish sport.