Nalbandian hoping for Nadal recovery

David Nalbandian hopes Rafael Nadal recovers from his knee injury in time for the Davis Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

The problem has forced Nadal to pull out of the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai which gets under way on Sunday, but Nalbandian does not want him to miss the showdown in Mar del Plata from November 21 to 23.

The Argentinian feels the presence of the world number one would give the final added spice.

He told La Voz del Interior newspaper: “I want him to come, of course. It adds an extra flavour. It would be more fun despite being harder for us.”

Nalbandian is now Argentina’s number two having fallen behind Juan Martin del Potro in the ATP rankings, and that means he would play his singles match against Nadal on the first day of competition.

“Friday is a fundamental day. Both games are going to be hard, but we can win them by giving our best. Friday is crucial and it is important to start well,” he added.

Nalbandian claimed Argentina had to take advantage of Spain’s weakness in the doubles.

“We have to take advantage of this point in which they are more vulnerable. In the ranking, their doubles is their softest spot,” he said.

Nalbandian, the winner of titles in Stockholm and Buenos Aires this season, insisted he would be ready to play in the doubles if necessary, even though Argentina captain Alberto Mancini has already selected Agustin Calleri and Jose Acasuso.

“If I am in good shape I would like to play,” he said. “Everybody would like to play all the points.”