Nadal's Absence 'changes Everything' - France Davis Cup Skipper
Zeeshan Mehtab Published September 11, 2018 | 09:54 PM
France Davis Cup captain Yannick Noah says world number one Rafael Nadal's absence from Spain's team in this weekend's semi-final "changes everything".
Lille, France, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Sep, 2018 ) :France Davis Cup captain Yannick Noah says world number one Rafael Nadal's absence from Spain's team in this weekend's semi-final "changes everything".
The 17-time Grand Slam champion has helped Spain capture the annual trophy four times, in 2004, 2008, 2009 and 2011, but was ruled out of facing Noah's titleholders in Lille with a knee injury.
The long-standing problem flared up again at the US Open when Nadal had to retire trailing two sets to love in his semi-final against Juan Del Potro last week.
"As a tennis fan I'm disappointed that he won't be there," Noah told a press conference at Lille's Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Tuesday.
"As a captain, it changes everything for the match. The set-up is totally different, especially in terms of preparation.
"When Nadal plays, it's almost (a certain) two points for Spain.
"Now, that changes and we have to adapt to it." With world number 55 Albert Ramos-Vinolas stepping in to replace the Spanish star Noah accepts that "of course we've got more chance".
But he cautioned: "On paper the Spanish team are still better than ours." Joining Ramos for Spain are Pablo Carreno Busta (21st in the world), Roberto Bautista Agut (26), Feliciano Lopez (74) and Marcel Granollers (101).
Representing France are Lucas Pouille (19), Richard Gasquet (24), Benoit Paire (54), Nicolas Mahut (150) and Julien Benneteau (57).
Spain skipper Sergi Bruguera agree with Noah that Nadal's absence has a massive bearing on the complexion of the Lille semi-final.
"It changes a lot, it changes everything, but it is like it is, and we have a very good team all the same.
"We'll fight and see what happens," Bruguera said.
Recent Stories
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
More Stories From Sports
-
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
14 minutes ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
6 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
7 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
9 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
10 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
10 hours ago
-
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
9 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
10 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
9 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
9 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
9 hours ago -
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
11 hours ago