David Ferrer to take on Radek Stepanek in the Davis Cup Final opener – Tennis News
World number five, David Ferrer, will lock horns against the 37th ranked Czech star, Radek Stepanek, in the opening rubber of the World Group Final tie that begins on the eve of 16th November in Prague. In
a press conference prior to the Davis Cup Final draw, Alex Corretja who is the captain of Spanish squad stated, “If I could choose, I would have David (play) first. He has played in more finals so I prefer David to start because of his experience.”
It seems like the wish has been granted and the 30-year-old Spaniard will take on another experienced competitor from Czech Republic who will celebrate his 34th birthday on 27th November.
Czech Republic lost the World Group Final tie in 2009 against the Spanish squad in a humiliating fashion. They weren’t able to win a single clash but the tie was contested in Barcelona and the Spanish squad was much more equipped
with the inclusion of the former world number one, Rafael Nadal, who is going to miss out this time around due to a chronic knee injury that has kept him out of action since the second round exit at Wimbledon in June.
Stepanek stated about the performance of his team and another shot at the title, “We knew that if we kept doing what we were doing, then another chance would come.” Everyone is pumped up in both ranks to end the season on a high-note.
The 11th ranked Nicolas Almagro will play two singles rubbers along with Ferrer whilst the doubles contest will be played by the Champions of Barclays Association of Tennis Professionals World Tour Finals, Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez.
On the other hand, Stepanek will be joined by the sixth ranked Tomas Berdych who will also play the doubles tie with 33-year-old compatriot. They have not lost any doubles clash in the current edition of the Davis Cup, hence, making
them a special force to face-off the talented and experienced Spanish duo.
Ferrer has a 6-3 head-to-head record against Stepanek and probably bank on her recent emphatic form to give his country a lead before Almagro takes on Berdych later in the night.
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