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  • Nalbandian says he could skip Davis Cup final as federation feud intensifies

    10/14/08 3:12 PM | Johan Lindahl
    - Top Argentine David Nalbandian is feuding with the national federation as a war of influence boils over after the choice by the International Tennis Federation of Mar del Plata as the site for the November Davis Cup final with Spain.

    "We will have to see if I play," said the angry weekend champion in Stockholm who is defending his Madrid Masters title this week.

    Nalbandian told the Clarin newspaper in Buenos Aires that it seemed odd that even while players and captain Alberto Mancini had wanted to play at 400-meter altitude in Cordoba to deny at least some chance to Spain's No. 1 Rafael Nadal, the Argentine federation had also offered Mar del Plata, which the ITF insisted upon.

    "Playing at Mar del Plata hurts our chances; we had the chance to gain a sporting edge," said a disappointed Nalbandian. In order to keep Spain away form their favored clay, the November 21-23 tie will be on fast indoor hard-court, a surface where Nalbandian excels, lifting Masters titles last year in Madrid and Paris Bercy.

    "The Argentine association leaves much to be desired," said the angry Nalbandian. "I've made sacrifices to play Davis Cup and what they are doing is not very pretty to see.

    "I just hope that the association continues to support the players like they have said - if not, we will see if I play in the tie."

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