Nadal pulls out of Davis Cup

Spain call up Ferrero for next week's semi-final

Last updated: 12th September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Nadal pulls out of Davis Cup

Nadal: Struggling

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Rafael Nadal has pulled out of Spain's Davis Cup semi-final against Israel next week because of concerns over the stomach muscle problems that have affected his US Open campaign.

Nadal, who missed last year's final victory over Argentina with knee trouble, will be replaced by Juan Carlos Ferrero in the four-man team.

The world number three is currently embroiled in a rain-delayed quarter-final clash with Fernando Gonzalez in New York and if he reaches Monday's final he would have little time to prepare himself for the Davis Cup.

"Rafa was sad to have to take this decision as he was really looking forward to the tie, and as always was eager to defend the Spanish colours," said captain Alberto Costa.

"In the case of Juan Carlos Ferrero, he will travel with the team on Sunday, which is when we meet up in Murcia, and I want to thank him for his commitment to the team."

Ferrero will join Tommy Robredo, David Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez with the match getting under way next Friday.

The second semi-final takes place in Porec between Croatia and Czech Republic.

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