New Delhi: Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal on Friday pulled out of Spain’s Davis Cup World Group Play-off opening singles match against India due to a stomach bug.
“Change of nomination for the singles rubbers in New Delhi as Feliciano Lopez replaces Rafa Nadal,” Davis Cup’s official Twitter account said. Nadal was scheduled to face Ramkumar Ramanathan in the opening match of the crucial tie on Friday. Nadal’s place will be taken by doubles specialist Feliciano Lopez at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association Stadium.
The second singles match later on Friday will pit Saketh Myneni against World No.13 David Ferrer. The doubles match on Saturday will put Leander Paes-Myneni against reigning French Open champions Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez. The reverse singles matches are to be played on Sunday.
The 14-time Grand Slam champion was the star attraction of the tie. AITA decided to issue free passes to cash in on the World No.5’s presence to pull in a full house at DLTA. The issuing of tickets began last Sunday. The 30-year-old’s no-show will be a huge mood spoiler for the goodish number of tennis fans in the city who turned up to watch him. Spain leads 2-1 against India in the Davis Cup head-to-head record.
