No wonder Rafael Nadal can be so relaxed in Mauritius.The world no. 1 knows Spain doesn't need him to win the Davis Cup.
Spain took its third Davis Cup by beating Argentina on Sunday, thanks to Fernando Verdasco’s five-set victory over Jose Acasuso.
Verdasco became an unlikely hero after successfully outlasted Acasuso 6-3, 6-7 (3), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 at Islas Malvinas Stadium.The fans went quiet as Argentina lost at home for the first time in 10 years in Davis Cup competition.
“It’s the most exciting victory of my life,” Verdasco said.Verdasco, replacing David Ferrer in the reverse singles, overcame nine double-faults to beat a shaky Acasuso in 3 hours, 56 minutes.
“Playing for my country, against the best players, it’s a dream.”
A Spanish supporter holds an underpants that says "Del Potro, we took your underpants off your ass" during the single match of the Davis Cup final.The 48th-ranked Acasuso was a late replacement for Juan Martin del Potro, who lost his underpants before the match started. Well, no, JMDP was actually injured :D
The 20-year-old Del Potro, one of the hottest players on tour this year, injured his right thigh in a four-set loss to Lopez on Friday.
After winning match point, Verdasco dropped to the court in celebration and was embraced by his teammates. “Spectacular,” Nadal said on Spanish state television.Nadal said he would’ve loved to have been in Argentina to celebrate with his teammates.
“Sincerely, this is history.”
“Moments like these, sharing them with your teammates are unforgettable,” Nadal said.
“They played a tremendous tie—it’s time for them to enjoy it.”
Verdasco recognized the efforts of other players who helped Spain reach the final, including Nadal, Tommy Robredo and Nicolas Almagro.
“We have to thank Rafa, Tommy, Almagro,” Verdasco said.Despite the support of nearly 10,000 Argentine fans, Acasuso was not able to keep up with Verdasco, who played well in the doubles win alongside Feliciano Lopez on Saturday.
“It is thanks to them we are here.”
“I was prepared for the match, but Verdasco played very well in the fourth and fifth sets,” Acasuso said.
“He started serving better and deserves a lot of credit for this win.”
“When you lose such an important player like Juan Martin, it opens a big hole in the team,” Argentina captain Alberto Mancini said.
“After that, things got complicated for us.”(Via AP, Davis Cup official website; Images via Yahoo! Sport)
