 Nadal lost in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open |
World number two Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the opening rubber of Spain's Davis Cup tie against Switzerland with a thigh injury. Nadal was due to face Marco Chiudinelli in the World Group first round tie on Friday but he will now be replaced by world number 33 Fernando Verdasco.
Switzerland must cope without Stanislas Wawrinka, who had been their top-ranked player in Roger Federer's absence.
Wawrinka tore a knee ligament in training on Thursday.
Davis Cup debutant Stephane Bohli, who has never won a match on the ATP circuit, has taken his place in the Swiss team.
Davis Cup spokesman Marcel Hauck said Nadal had picked up the injury to his right thigh while training on Friday morning.
He added that it was not clear whether the 20-year-old Spaniard would be fit in time for Sunday's reverse singles.
Nadal suffered an injury to his left leg at the Australian Open but had declared himself fit again.
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