 Nadal has not played in the Davis Cup since the semi-final win over USA |
The first day of Spain's Davis Cup tie against Serbia was postponed after strong winds damaged the purpose-built stadium in Benidorm. Gusts of wind blew off some rows of seats and affected the whole stability of the 16,000-seat stadium. However, a favourable forecast has left organisers hopeful they can complete the tie, which is now scheduled to begin at 0900 GMT on Saturday. World number one Rafael Nadal is due to return from injury in the tie. A Spanish tennis federation spokesman said: "Once the conditions allow, we will work the whole day so that tomorrow (Saturday) we can play the first singles matches." The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said Davis Cup rules allowed for the tie to run on for up to five days and play on Monday or Tuesday was possible. Spanish star Nadal has not played since losing to Andy Murray in the Rotterdam final on 15 February because of a knee injury.  | 606: DEBATE |
"I feel great and with a great will to keep going on," Nadal told his personal website. "I'm very excited about representing my country." Champions Spain are without Australian Open semi-finalist, and 2008 Davis Cup hero, Fernando Verdasco because of injury but are otherwise at full strength. "Everybody's perfect," captain Albert Costa said of his squad after Nadal, Nicolas Almagro, Feliciano Lopez and Tommy Robredo practised on Wednesday. "Nadal's 100%, everybody on the team is 100% healthy." Spain remain strong favourites on their favoured surface of clay, despite the presence of world number three Novak Djokovic in the Serbia team. | WORLD GROUP 1st ROUND Argentina v Netherlands Czech Rep v France USA v Switzerland Croatia v Chile Sweden v Israel Romania v Russia Germany v Austria Spain v Serbia |
"Playing against Rafa would be very interesting, he's the world number one and he plays really well in all surfaces," said Djokovic. "But I think we all know that clay is definitely his favourite." Roger Federer is another name missing from the first round as a back problem has forced him out of Switzerland's testing trip to face the USA in Birmingham, Alabama. Argentina, last year's runners-up, bagged two victories on Friday against the Netherlands in Buenos Aires, despite the absence of David Nalbandian and Juan Martin del Potro. Juan Ignacio Chela struggled for nearly four hours to beat Jesse Huta Galung 6-2, 2-6, 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-2, while Juan Monaco overcame Thiemo De Bakker in straight sets. France look like being serious challengers for the title this year with a line-up that includes Gilles Simon, Gael Monfils, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet. Facing the Czech Republic in Ostrava, the French got off to a bad start with Simon losing to Tomas Berdych, but Tsonga fought back and defeated Radek Stepanek in straight sets. Sweden's home tie against Israel has already been the subject of much attention as it will be played behind closed doors. Local authorities took the decision over fears about the safety of the Israeli team members in Malmo - a city with a large Muslim community. The ITF has criticised the move, but Sweden captain Mats Wilander said: "This is about security and there have been experts on the case. "We can only try to play our best, even though it will be hard (without the fans)." Around 1,000 police officers will be on duty for the three-day tie and between 8,000 and 12,000 people are expected to demonstrate on Saturday.
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