Article

  • Spanish players in crisis over Madrid Davis Cup venue

    5/11/08 8:36 PM | Johan Lindahl
    - Spanish players are ready for revolt amid worries that their federation has handed an advantage to the US in September's Davis Cup semi-final by choosing a Madrid venue.

    The highest capital city in Europe at 650 metres above sea level will negate much of the slow speed of a clay court, giving Andy Roddick and James Blake a serving edge on the surface which they fear the most.

    Despite a letter from players Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Carlos Moya, Tommy Robredo, Nicolas Almagro, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez, the federation apparently went for a money grab to please a prime sponsor for the September, 19-21 series.

    The tie will be played at the Las Ventas bull ring with 24,000 seats the city where the municipal tourist office has recently become an international Davis Cup sponsor.

    The last time Spain played the Americans at home, 24,000 fans packed a stadium in Valencia for a runaway finals victory in 2004.

    Madrid was chosen ahead of seaside rivals Benidorm, Gijon and Tenerife on a secret ballot.

    Even though disgusted captain Emilio Sanchez had offered his resignation over the matter, he was re-appointed to the helm for the key tie.

    “The president didn't keep his word when he said he would take into account our requests,” the captain told Radio Marca.

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