Davis Cup captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario and world number one Rafael Nadal have paid tribute Spanish hero Fernando Verdasco.
Praise all around for Spanish man of the moment
Davis Cup captain Emilio Sanchez Vicario and world number one Rafael Nadal have paid tribute Spanish hero Fernando Verdasco.
Verdasco, who was brought in to replace Spain's off-form David Ferrer, braved to a 6-3 6-7 4-6 6-3 6-1 victory to hand Argentina their third defeat in three final appearances and their first home loss for 10 years.
Verdasco had been overlooked for Friday's opening singles but earned himself a chance by winning Saturday's doubles alongside Feliciano Lopez.
And his skipper was keen to praise his 25-year-old star after the left-hander came through the epic three hour and 56 minute contest to hand Spain their third Davis Cup crown.
"It was an incredible match - all the guys were so nervous," Sanchez Vicario said.
"Fernando was just the better player - he's very strong."
And Spanish sensation Nadal, who was unable to play due the knee injury he sustained in Paris earlier this month, was full of praise for his compatriots.
"I couldn't be happier, it's an unforgettable moment and they have made history," Nadal told
Spanish television.
"Fernando was brilliant - absolutely amazing from the fourth set. Emilio (Sanchez Vicario) has formed a tremendous group with a fabulous atmosphere at its heart."
And man of the moment Verdasco was nearly speechless after he clinched the tie, but when he did speak the 16th ranked player insisted it was the greatest day of his life.
"It's a dream. I've wanted this chance since I was a boy, few get it and even fewer take it," he said.
"In the Davis Cup, you have to fight to the death and you always have to keep your hope of winning. This mental strength helped me win the match."
